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Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said countering terrorism is an important objective shared by India and the United States. Addressing a joint news conference with US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter in Washington yesterday, Mr Parrikar appreciated American support in India’s efforts to eliminate extremism in its neighbourhood.
The Minister said both the countries are committed to peace. Parrikar said, the partnership between India and the United States is driven by both the countries shared values and interests.
Responding to a question, Mr 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.
India and the United States also have signed a key logistics agreement that will enable US and Indian forces to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. Mr Carter told reporters at the Pentagon that he and Mr Parrikar formally signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, LEMOA.
During Parrikar’s visit to the Pentagon, the two leaders discussed India’s recent designation as a major US defence partner. Yesterday’s talks at the Pentagon, the sixth meeting between the two leaders, come ahead of key annual exercises in India between US and Indian forces.