March 12, 2019
Mike Pompeo expressed his understanding of India’s concerns regarding cross -border terrorism.
The United States on Monday joined India in asking Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure in the country and deny safe havens to all terror outfits on the Pakistani territory. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday and gave an account of the developments in the Indian sub-continent in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.
Both Gokhale and Pompeo agreed that those who support or abet terrorism in any form should be held accountable. The American leader expressed his understanding of India’s concerns regarding cross -border terrorism.
Gokhale conveyed to Pompeo, India’s appreciation of the Trump administration’s firm support in the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Pulwama.
Sources in New Delhi said the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the significant progress and the quality of the India-US Strategic Partnership since Secretary Pompeo’s visit to India in September 2018 for the first ever Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue.
Foreign Secretary and Secretary Pompeo also discussed other issues of mutual interest including Afghanistan and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, and agreed to closely work together in this regard.
In response to Secretary Pompeo’s reference to bilateral trade matters, Gokhale underscored the significant reduction in trade deficit in the last three years and conveyed India’s willingness to remain engaged with the U.S. for a meaningful and mutually acceptable package on trade issues.
Vijay Gokhale is currently on a three-day visit to Washington for consultations with senior US State Department officials on a range of issues.
The visit also assumes significance because the UN Security Council later this week takes up the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack.