US backs India, says Pak must eliminate terror

Agencies

New Delhi, 20 July 2011: The United States of America pledged support for combating violent extremism with India and said that it has been made clear to Pakistan that confronting terrorism of all kinds is in Pakistan’s interest. Addressing a joint press conference with External Affairs Minister SM Krishna in New Delhi on Tuesday after the second Indo-US strategic dialogue, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that it is important to counter terrorism and improve homeland security.

 

Hillary claimed that the US has been "deepening security cooperation with India with respect to counter terror and maritime security." She also pitched for US defence sales, linking it to improvement in security cooperation and added that the US supported the rise of India both as a regional as well as a global power.

 

Hillary also underscored her country’s unhappiness with India’s nuclear liability law and wants India to negotiate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the legislation though there is no international legal requirement to do so. She gave no commitment on the new restrictions on the transfer of enrichment and reprocessing technologies while seeking greater access for US products to the Indian market.

 

 

Krishna said that India appreciated US President Barack Obama’s support in the aftermath of July 13 bomb blasts in Mumbai. He added that both the countries are committed to sharing information on the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008. He backed Hillary on Pakistan saying that terror sanctuaries in Pakistan need to be eliminated for regional peace and stability.

 

The US also assured India that it will fully implement the civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries. India and the US also decided to start negotiations on bilateral trade and investment agreement.