NEW DELHI, Sept 26: Visiting US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman today spoke in one voice for zero tolerance to safe havens for terrorists.
Terrorism and ways to control it were the major focus of the two Defence Ministers’ talks that were held at the South Block here after Mattis was presented a tri-services guard of honour.
His is the first Cabinet-level visit to India from the US since Donald Trump took over as President.
“Two countries recognize the threat that global terrorism poses to people throughout the world,’’ the US Defence Secretary said in a joint interaction with Sitharaman after their talks.
She said during their meeting, she told Mattis that the very same forces that found safe havens in Pakistan were the ones who have struck in New York and Mumbai.
Sitharaman added that she had requested the US Defence Secretary to raise the issue of cross border terrorism and safe havens when and if he visited Pakistan.
“There is growing convergence in the approaches of both our countries on this issue. We both recognize the importance of holding those who use terrorism as an instrument of state policy to account and to dismantle the infrastructure that supports terrorism,” she said.
The Defence Minister underlined that India and the United States shared a strong and vibrant strategic partnership, and as the world’s largest democracies,they also share fundamental values and interests.
“Defence cooperation between India and the US has grown significantly in recent years and emerged as a key pillar of our strategic partnership,’’ she said.
She added that the Mattis had willingness to share further cutting-edge platforms which would enhance India’s defence preparedness to meet current and emerging threats.Both the countries agreed on the need to expand on the progress already made by encouraging co-production and co-development efforts.
Sitharaman said she and Mattis discussed how to refocus and re-energize the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) as a mechanism to promote technology sharing as well as co? development and co-production efforts.
Besides, during the discussion on regional and international issues of mutual interest, Afghanistan also came under focus.
“As you are aware, India welcomed President Trump’s new US Strategy for Afghanistan announced last month. Today, I had useful discussions with Secretary Mattis on how we could strengthen our cooperation bilaterally as well as with the Government of Afghanistan in pursuit of our common objective of a peaceful, democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan,’’ she said.
Issues relating to maritime security in the Indian Ocean and the broader Asia-Pacific Region as well as regional connectivity issues were also discussed.
She underlined that India supports the freedom of navigation, over-flight and unimpeded lawful commerce, and also believed that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law.
“I am happy to note that Secretary Mattis reaffirmed the US position in support of these principles. I also welcome his reiteration of the US commitment to work with India in ensuring maritime security in the lndo Pacific and as first responder to HADR situations,’’ the Defence Minister said.
Describing her talks as very substantive, constructive and forward-looking, she said, “Talks from our discussions today, l am confident that we are entering a new phase in our strategic defence partnership with the United States.” (UNI)
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