Terrorism dominates Rex Tillerson's meetings with PM Modi and Sushma Swaraj

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Wednesday that US would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism.

Pic courtesy: @PMOIndia

NEW DELHI: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday discussed ways to step up effective cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms and promote regional stability and security. 

They also affirmed that a strengthened India-US partnership is not just of mutual benefit to both countries, but has significant positive impact on the prospects for regional and global stability and prosperity. 

Also, PM Modi shared the resolve expressed by Tillerson on taking further steps in the direction of accelerating and strengthening the content, pace and scope of the bilateral engagement. 

In the context of US President Donald Trump’s new South Asia Policy, PM Modi noted the commonality in the objectives of eradicating terrorism, terrorist infrastructure, safe havens, and support, while bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan. 

Earlier in the day, Tillerson also had detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. 

In his remarks at a joint media interaction with Swaraj, he said that US supports India's emergence as a leading power and was willing to provide New Delhi with advanced technologies for its military modernisation. 

Tillerson added that US would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism and that terror safe havens will not be tolerated.

He further said that the two countries would cooperate further in the Indo-Pacific region to promote rules-based commerce, in remarks apparently targeted at China over its growing belligerence in the South China Sea. 

"India plays an important role in this effort. In the fight against terrorism, the United States will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with India. Terror safe havens will not be tolerated," the top US official said. 

He said that he will continue to contribute to Indian capabilities to provide security throughout the region. 

(With IANS and PIB inputs)