WASHINGTON, Aug 30:
Alleging that forces across the border are fomenting trouble in violence-hit Kashmir, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that “a small percentage” of people in the Valley are holding the majority to ransom.
He said the Government is working “proactively” in handling the violence in the State.
“As far as Kashmir is concerned, the Indian Government has been very proactive in handling the violence which comes from across the border” Parrikar told Pentagon reporters yesterday at a joint news conference with US Defence Secretary, Ashton Carter.
“A few small percentage is holding the majority to ransom,” he added.
Asked about the current situation in Kashmir, he said curfew has already been lifted and an All-Party Delegation is also heading to the Valley.
“Kashmir is actually having a Government which is a democratically elected. And the Chief Minister belongs to the Valley,” he said.
Countering terrorism is an important objective shared by India and the United States, Parrikar said here, while appreciating American support in India’s efforts to eliminate extremism in its neighbourhood.
“We resolved to continue our cooperation on counter-terrorism. Our open and diverse societies are committed to peace. However, as the United States has shown, there can be no compromise when we are faced with terrorism,” Parrikar said.
“The forces that seek to undermine our progress and our ways of life require our comprehensive and robust response. We appreciate the support from United States in our efforts to eliminate terrorism in India’s neighbourhood,” Parrikar said.
“Secretary Carter and I agreed that countering terrorism is an important shared objective. The partnership between India and the United States is driven by our shared values and interests. This was underlined by the enthusiasm of the US Congress with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June this year,” Parrikar said.
Responding to a question, Carter said that not only Indian civilians but its military also has been a victim of terrorism, in an apparent reference to the terrorist attack on Pathankot military base, carried out by Pakistani intruders.
“Terrorism is one of the many missions on which we cooperate…We oppose terrorism affecting anyone and us. That’s certainly true with respect to terrorist acts perpetrated against the Indian people, and also I should mention the Indian military, which has happened as well. And this gives new scope for that, as well,” Carter said.
As per a joint statement issued after the meeting between the two leaders, they agreed to facilitate greater and regular interactions to deepen mutual understanding between military services and promote practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, special operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“We and India share the principled view that in matters of freedom of the seas and freedom of the commons and freedom of navigation, as in so many other matters, States need to take a principled view where abiding by the rule of law and pursuing disputes peacefully is fundamental. We are able to operate together,” Carter said.
During the meeting Carter and Parrikar praised the discussions at the inaugural Maritime Security Dialogue held in May.
They welcomed the conclusion of the bilateral ‘White Shipping’ technical arrangement for data sharing on commercial shipping traffic.
They also discussed cooperation on capabilities to augment India’s capacity for maritime domain awareness (MDA).
Acknowledging India’s positive contributions to regional security and stability, including in matters beyond the maritime space, Carter and Parrikar announced their agreement to take forward consultations in this area, including through the next Maritime Security Dialogue, which will be held later this year.
They noted recent high-level official exchanges, including the visit of Gen John Nicholson to New Delhi for consultations on Afghanistan, as well as by the secretary of the US Navy and the Secretary of the US Air Force earlier this month, the joint statement said.
Meanwhile, in n a major boost to bilateral strategic ties, India and the US have signed a crucial logistics defence pact that will enable their militaries to use each other’s assets and bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, making joint operations more efficient.
Parrikar signed the ‘Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement’ (LEMOA) and said it will facilitate opportunities for “practical engagement and exchange”.
LEMOA facilitates the provision of logistical support, supplies and services between the US and Indian militaries on a reimbursable basis and provides a framework to govern them.
This may include food, water, billeting, transportation, petroleum, oils, lubricants, clothing, medical services, spare parts and components, repair and maintenance services, training services, and other logistical items and services.
“They agreed on the importance (that) this framework will provide to facilitate innovative and advanced opportunities in defence technology and trade cooperation. To this end, the US has agreed to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with its closest allies and partners,” said a joint statement after the pact was signed.
According to the statement, the defence ties between the two countries is based on their “shared values and interests,” and their “abiding commitment to global peace and security”.
Parrikar, at a joint news conference with Carter after the two leaders held talks at the Pentagon yesterday, made it clear that “there is no provision for any base or any sort of activities to set up a base in India.”
“It (LEMOA) doesn’t have anything to do with the setting up of base. It’s basically logistics support to each other’s fleet, like supply of fuel, supply of many other things which are required for joint operations, humanitarian assistance and many other relief operations.
“So, it basically will ensure that both navies can be supportive of each other in the joint venture operations we do, exercises we do,” Parrikar told reporters.
LEMOA is a very substantial enabler of the two countries to work together, the US Defence Secretary said.
Carter said the agreement would make joint operations between their militaries logistically easier and more efficient.
“What it does is make possible and make easier operating together when we choose to. It doesn’t by itself — those agreements — those are the things that the two governments would have to agree on a case by case basis. But when they do agree, this is an agreement that makes it all go so much more smoothly and efficiently,” Carter explained.
“It is fully mutual. In other words, we grant one another completely equal access and ease under this agreement. It’s not a basing agreement of any kind, but it does make the logistics of joint operations so much easier and so much more efficient,” he said.
Parrikar also indicated that India is not in a hurry to sign two other foundational agreements which America has been pushing for the past several years. (PTI)
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel