India, US pledge to fight terror
INDIA and the US this week reiterated their commitment to co-operate in the fight against international terrorism.
During the first meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump on Monday, the two also agreed to boost economic co-operation.
“Fighting terrorism and destroying the hideouts of terrorists will be an important part of our mutual co-operation,” Modi said as he addressed the media with Trump after delegation-level talks.
“We will enhance intelligence exchange to address common concerns about terrorism and deepen our policy co-ordination accordingly,” he said.
Modi added that both nations had agreed to co-operate better to tackle global challenges such as increasing radicalisation, extremism and terrorism.
His comments came hours after the US declared the Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist.
Modi said India was committed to peace in Afghanistan and rebuilding that country was a priority.
“India and the US are working together to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.”
He said he and Trump had agreed to work closely on boosting maritime trade.
Modi said India would benefit from a strong, successful America.
He invited Trump to visit India with his family.
For his part, Trump said India and the US had been struck by the evils of terrorism “and we are both determined to destroy terrorist organisations and the radical ideology that drives them”.
“We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism,” he said.
Trump congratulated India on the 70th anniversary of its independence, which will be celebrated in August.
“During my campaign, I pledged that, if I were elected, India would have a true friend in the White House. And that is now exactly what you have – a true friend.”
The talks were preceded by a one-on-one meeting between Modi and Trump in the Oval Office. – IANS