US reaffirms India’s designation as Major Defence Partner

Mangalore Today News Network

USA , Apr 18, 2017 : In the first visit by a senior official of the Trump administration, US National Security Adviser Lt. General (retired) H.R. McMaster called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. He also held discussions with his Indian counterpart Ajith Doval and foreign secretary S Jaishankar before departing in what was described by the US embassy in India as "productive meetings."

 

During the talks that are expected to set the course of bilateral relations, McMaster emphasized the importance of the U.S.-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India’s designation as a major defence partner, the US embassy said in a press statement after the meetings here.

There was no immediate official word on the talks from the Indian side but aides indicated the security scenario in the region was discussed in great detail. The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defense and counter-terrorism cooperation.

McMaster’s visit was a part of US regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad. McMaster’s visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India comes just days after the US dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb targeting an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan, close to the border with Pakistan.

The US NSA arrived on Monday evening from Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and some top officials on Monday. He had also met Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.

Reports from Pakistan had said that, during McMaster’s call on, Sharif reiterated his “firm conviction” to sustained dialogue and meaningful engagement as the only way forward for India and Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute.

They also said Sharif welcomed President Trump’s willingness to help India and Pakistan resolve their differences particularly on Kashmir and noted that this could go a long way in bringing sustainable peace, security and prosperity to the region, the statement said.

The Pakistan Prime Minister Office said in a statement that he shared his concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the continuing impasse. Sharif conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to work with the international community to explore ways in which the Afghan crisis can be resolved, it said.

Courtesy:DHNS