Echoing the Indian foreign minister’s remark, Kerry also said that the US can’t and won’t make a distinction between good and bad terrorists.
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“Clearly it is in India’s interest as it is in Afghanistan’s interest and our interest and Pakistan’s interest, frankly, to have a peaceful and stable Afghanistan that is no longer under siege from the Taliban or from any other group that tries to use its territory to propagate terror”, he said.
“We will also intensify intelligence sharing and continue to work closely to get terrorist entities listed by the United Nations system, by coordinating our approach to the United Nations 1267 Committee”, she said at a joint press conference with Kerry.
She said India remained ready to have talks with Pakistan but there were legitimate expectations that it will act against terror groups which were carrying out attacks against India including the Pathankot one.
“In last two years have moved amazingly with talks between India and the U.S. We are witnessing a moment of renewed relationship between the U.S. and India”, said Kerry during the briefing.
Kerry made no reference to the deadly violence in Indian-held Kashmir where at least 69 civilians have been killed and over 7,500 others wounded in firing by Indian security forces amid ongoing 53-day curfew. “Now, I think the global community, including the U.S.in particular, is also sending out a message that Pakistan needs to provide justice to the victims of terror”, he added.
Earlier, his proposed visit to three religious sites in the city was also cancelled on Wednesday as heavy rains lashed the national capital since morning. Those who are still under the misconception of good terrorism and bad terrorism should come together and be united against terrorism.
The two allies also agreed to step up cooperation on intelligence.
Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar met with U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter in the U.S. on Monday.
Pritzker and Sitharaman hosted the U.S. -India CEO Forum. India and the USA stressed the importance of maritime cooperation with an eye on developments in the disputed South China Sea.
He said, “We have to respect rights of all our citizens irrespective of creed and allow them to protest in peace without fear that they will be jailed for speaking”.
She also pitched for a “just and non-discriminatory solution” to the issue of totalisation and recent fee hike for H1B and L1 visa that has “affected our people-to-people exchanges, which was a vital source of strength for our relationship”.
India and the United States signed a number of agreements Tuesday to boost military cooperation as well as anti-terrorism initiatives.
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“We want to take our expanding defence cooperation to the next stage of co-production and co-development”, Sushma told Kerry.
