New Delhi, October 26: The United States pledged its commitment to deepening strategic ties with India as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders in New Delhi during a visit that highlighted their strong emerging alliance.
Combating terrorism and expanding India's role in helping Afghanistan's development were key issues discussed by Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and Tillerson, who arrived in the capital city after stops in Kabul and Islamabad.
At a news conference after the talks, Tillerson extended an assurance that "in the fight against terrorism, the United States will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with India. Terrorist safe havens will not be tolerated."
The top U.S. diplomat visited the region after the Trump administration unveiled a new South Asia strategy calling on India to play a larger role in Afghanistan's economic stabilization and on Pakistan to take more action against militant groups based in the country.
Indian foreign minister Swaraj said President Donald Trump's new strategy for the region "can only be successful if Pakistan acts decisively against all terror groups without any discrimination." New Delhi has long blamed Islamabad for supporting insurgent groups that carry out terror acts in India.
Tillerson, who last week said that he sees India as a key partner in the face of what he considers negative Chinese influence in Asia, reiterated that India could play a wider role in the region. Analysts say Washington's overtures for closer ties with India are prompted by the need to counter China's rise.
Tillerson told reporters "the United States supports India's emergence as a leading power and will continue to contribute to Indian capabilities to provide security throughout the region." He said Washington was willing to provide New Delhi with advanced technologies for its military modernization.
"We also look forward to further cooperation in the broader Indo Pacific region as we both promote a rules-based approach to commerce and a transparent and sustainable approach to economic development," he said.(VOA)