India, US Urge Pakistan To Stop Terror Attacks; Sends Strong Message:- India and the US, sending out a strong message to Pakistan, urged the country to ensure that its territory is not used to start cross-border strikes and to “efficiently” bring justice to the culprits of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks.

The Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump vowed to strengthen efforts to fight terrorism and eliminate safe shelter for terrorists. Modi in his joint address with Trump at the White House, told reporters, “Eliminating terrorism is among the topmost priorities for us.”

The two sides after the meeting between the leaders “called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terror attacks on other countries”, the joint statement was issued. It further called on Pakistan to “efficiently bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot attacks and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups.”

The prime minister said, “We talked about terrorism, extremism and radicalization and agreed to cooperate on this. Fighting terrorism and doing away with the safe shelters, sanctuaries, and safe havens will be an important part of our cooperation.”  Meanwhile, Trump said both the nations are “determined” to eliminate terrorist organizations and the radical ideology that drives them.

“The security partnership between the US and India is incredibly important. The evils of terrorism have stuck both the nations and we both are determined to destroy terrorist organizations and the radical ideology that drives them. We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism,” he said.

The two nations in their joint statement noted that, terrorism is a global threat that must be fought in every part of the world, and the US and India would do it together, said Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.

Trump said, “to enhance cooperation between our military forces, our militaries are working every day and they will join together with the Japanese navy to take part in the largest maritime exercise ever conducted in the Indian Ocean next month.”

In their address at the White House Rose Garden, the two leaders among other issues, also talked on trade, security, bilateral co- operation and instability in Afghanistan.

Modi referred his talks with Trump, the first between the two leaders, as an “important page in the history of India-US relationship”. Discussions have taken place in detail with Trump defence and security cooperation between the two nations, said Modi. Before this meeting, the two leaders have spoken over phone thrice. The prime minister, further describing both countries as “global engines of growth”, said trade, commerce and investment are key areas of mutual co-operation. “Technology, innovation and knowledge economy are also areas we are actively looking at,” he said.

On creating a “fair and reciprocal” trade relationship between the two nations, Trump said he is keen to work with Modi. Trump further called for the removal of “barriers” for the export of US goods into Indian markets. “It is important that that we reduce our trade deficit with your country,” he added. The ties between India and US have never been stronger and better, said the US President. He further thanked India, before their meeting began, for ordering military equipment from the US. He expressed pleasure about an order by an Indian airline company for 100 new American planes, calling it one of the largest orders of it is kind, which will support thousands and thousands of American jobs.

“We are also looking forward to export more American energy to India as your economy grows, including major long-term contracts to purchase American natural gas, which are right now being negotiated, and we will sign them. Trying to increase the price up a little bit,” he said.

The GST reform to be implemented across India starting next month, Trump referring to it said, it was “the largest tax overhaul in your country’s history”. “We are doing that also, by the way. Creating great new opportunities for your citizens. You have a big vision for improving infrastructure, and you are fighting government corruption, which is always a grave threat to democracy,” he said.

Trump said and added, the fastest growing economy in the world is India. “We hope we will be catching up you very soon.” Over the rising instability in Afghanistan caused by terrorism, both the leaders also expressed concern and further agreed to continue strengthening coordination for ensuring peace and stability in the war-torn country.

The threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic programs to be “rapidly” tackled, was also called by Trump. He further thanked Mr Modi for “joining us in applying new sanctions against Pyongyang.”

“The North Korean regime is causing tremendous problems and is something that has to be dealt with, and probably dealt with rapidly,” Trump said.

SUPRAJA