Secretary of State John Kerry said that India and U.S. have deepened their cooperation in defence, energy and cyber security and that the USA is looking forward to finalis a cber framework that will help both countries to counter the increasing global cyber threats.
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“I thanked Secretary Kerry for the USA constant support for India’s membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)”.
Divulging detail of their dialogue, Swaraj said, “Secretary Kerry and I discussed at length the issue of terrorism, which is the key challenge to the global community, and the foremost threat to worldwide peace and security”.
She said she and Kerry had had a “meeting of the minds” on cross-border extremism that India and its neighbors face from militants in Pakistan.
He said both the countries agreed to expand the exchange of terrorists screening information with an aim to to more effectively counter the threat posed by violent extremism.
When questioned on the status of talks between New Delhi and Islamabad, Swaraj said, “There is no rift caused by us when it comes to Pak, we have been of view that we want peaceful talks. Terrorism is terrorism”, Kerry said at a press conference alongside India’s Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj. LeT, we all know and we all spoken out against had an impact on India, directly.
“It is vital that Pakistan join with other nations in tackling this challenge, and in fairness, in recent weeks and months they have been moving more authoritatively”, Kerry said.
India and the U.S. today discussed terrorism emanating from Pakistan and other issues of strategic importance as well as of commercial interest with New Delhi asserting that there was a “scope to do a lot more” in the area of counter-terrorism.
Sitharaman first met co-chair and US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, following which they presided over the India-US CEO Forum, that has Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry and Honeywell Chairman Dave Cote as the co-hosts.
Asked if the close consultation with India on Afghanistan under the trilateral framework may result in Pakistan feeling isolated, Kerry said United States appreciates India’s involvement in the war-torn country and Pakistan will not feel isolated but encouraged and workout a roadmap for itself in that country.
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During the meeting, Swaraj also sought United States cooperation in securing membership at the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) and the coveted trade grouping Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
