US: Pak terror haven, India should do more in Kabul

In a shock for Islamabad that was music to New Delhi’s ears, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday read the riot act out to Pakistan for providing safe havens to “agents of chaos, violence and terror” that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad it has “much to lose” by harbouring terrorists.

But while appreciating New Delhi’s role in Afghanistan, Mr Trump taunted India again “for making billions of dollars” in trade with the US and exhorted it to do more in Afghanistan, even as he appreciated India’s contribution to stability in the strife-torn country.

New Delhi was silent on Mr Trump’s barb but pointed out nevertheless that it welcomed his determination to confront terror safe havens, adding India had been “steadfast” in its efforts towards the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

In its reaction, China jumped to the rescue of its all-weather friend Pakistan, claiming Islamabad is at the front-line of combating terrorism.

Pakistan’s own response was muted, with its foreign minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif “highlighting Pakistan’s immense sacrifices in the enduring fight against terrorism”, after US envoy there David Hale met him to “brief ” him about Mr Trump’s statement. Mr Asif may travel to Washington soon to meet US secretary of state Rex Tillerson after a US invitation.

Mr Trump, in his first televised address to the nation as commander-in-chief, said, “For its part, Pakistan often gives safe haven to agents of chaos, violence, and terror. The threat is worse because Pakistan and India are two nucleararmed states whose tense relations threaten to spiral into conflict. And that could happen... We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organisations, the Taliban, and other groups...Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort... It has much to lose by continuing to harbour terrorists.”