U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to South Asia this week has been filled with diplomatic meetings, but his motorcade’s struggle with monsoon downpours and an off-the-cuff remark about terrorism may be garnering more attention.
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“The US and India will have to keep faith in our democratic values and uphold the freedom that defines our countries”, Kerry said at a gathering of students at the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi.
“It’s clear that Pakistan has work to do in order to push harder against its indigenous groups”, he said, adding that the USA has been urging Pakistan to crack down on terror camps.
Earlier on Tuesday, John Kerry held discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and supported India’s stand on terrorism and asked Pakistan to stop sheltering terror outfits.
USA secretary of state, John Kerry, has reportedly arrived in India on a two-day trip to strengthen trade and military cooperation between the two nations. “It’s weather, and that it caused some delays I think would be expected”, he said.
“We reaffirmed the urgent necessity for Pakistan to dismantle safe havens for terrorists and criminals networks, including LeT, JeM and the D-Company”, she said.
“Rising India will play a very critical role in resolving global challenges”, Kerry said adding that the challenges included extremism, terrorism, extreme poverty, uneven and unsustainable growth, among others.
Secretary Pritzker discussed the growing U.S. -India trade and commercial relationship, and noted the commitment of both leaders to making progress on the Westinghouse deal. “When Pakistan do take action there’s usually pretty intense pushback and blowback which makes (tackling terror) it harder”, he said.
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For India to create jobs for the 13 million people who enter the labour market every year, Kerry said that the business climate must be improved. Kerry appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending an invitation to Sharif, who came for his oath-taking ceremony. The outgoing Government in the USA, showing concern and promise to nail the network of militant activities in India, is a victory for the pro-active diplomatic and political dialogue launched by the Modi Government. He added that when countries across the world use force to solve disputes, India and US have together chosen the path of “rule of law” and the norms of the ‘international community.’ The US legislator further said it is important to show respect to worldwide order and lend support to regional stability and prosperity.
