Address global concerns on cross-border terror: India, US to Pakistan
India and the US yesterday called on Pakistan to address global concerns regarding terrorism, including that emanating from across the border. The concern was raised by the Indian Embassy in Washington after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and his American counterpart Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale held Foreign Office Consultations at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department. Here's more.
"Both sides called on Pakistan to meaningfully address the concerns of the international community on terrorism, including cross-border terrorism," the statement issued by the Indian embassy said. Reaffirming their commitment to the Indo-US Strategic Partnership, the two diplomats reviewed the progress made since the Ministerial 2+2 meeting that was held on September 6 last year and discussed ways to further expand cooperation.
While cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region formed an important part of their deliberations, Gokhale and Hale also discussed counter-terrorism cooperation and a range of global and regional issues of mutual interest. The issues included the current situation in Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, and Venezuela, the State Department said. They affirmed the vitality of the US-India strategic partnership, it further said.
In a readout of the meeting, the US State Department said, "The officials affirmed the vitality of the US-India strategic partnership and the importance of joint leadership to strengthen the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region." The Indo-Pacific is a biogeographic region, comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.
During the meeting, Gokhale and Hale affirmed their support for increased cooperation to include advancing initiatives undertaken as part of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue process. "Recognizing that the US and India share complementary visions for the Indo-Pacific, they agreed to deepen cooperation toward their joint goals in the region, including in conjunction with other Indo-Pacific partners," the State Department said in the statement.
According to the Indian Embassy, the officials exchanged views on building convergence in the Indo-Pacific and agreed to work with each other and regional partners to promote inclusivity, stability, peace, and prosperity in the region. Gokhale also invited the US Under Secretary to New Delhi.
