US Secretary of State will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today.
Strengthening cooperation in strategic areas of defence, counter-terrorism, security, energy and trade is an expected outcome during the meeting between Swaraj and Tillerson. Tillerson also asserted that America's relationship with India is of strategic importance, which is not limited to South Asia.
Before setting out for India, Tillerson met Pakistani PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and other top leaders in Pakistan, where he urged them to step up their efforts to eradicate militants and terrorists operating within the country.
- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reached India on 24 October
- He met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and PM Narendra Modi today
- Strengthening cooperation in areas of defence, and security was discussed between Swaraj and Tillerson in the meeting
Tillerson Meets Modi
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ongoing visit to India.
PM Modi reportedly shared resolve expressed by Secretary Tillerson on taking steps towards “accelerating and strengthening content, pace and scope of bilateral engagement”. The also affirmed that India-US partnership is not just for mutual benefit but also impacted global stability.
US-India Stand Shoulder to Shoulder Against Terror: Rex Tillerson
“India and USA are natural allies. Stand shoulder to shoulder against terror,” US Secy of State said warning that “terrorist safe havens will not be tolerated.”
India is crucial to USA-Afghanistan strategy, back India as a leader in the region.
While he said that terror groups in Pakistan is threatening the stability of the government, Tillerson also said, “I had a very open frank exchange with Pakistan leaders in Islamabad yesterday, I conveyed to Pakistan the expectations we have of them. We want to work with Pakistan in a positive way as we think this is in their interest in longer term.”
Pakistan Needs to Act on Tackling Terror: Sushma Swaraj
“I am happy to inform that our defence and strategic relations have deepened after PM's US visit,” Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj said.
“The recent attacks in Afghanistan are proof that safe havens and supporters of terrorism are active. Pakistan needs to act on this. President Trump's policy on terrorism can only succeed when Pakistan takes action on terror groups,” she said.
We also discussed the important contribution of Indians working in the USA on H1B visa and requested him that no steps be taken that affects Indian in the American soil.Sushma Swaraj
Rex Tillerson Meets Sushma Swaraj
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has met Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.
They two are currently holding a meeting together. The two sides are expected to talk about terror.