WEB DESK
A new National Security Strategy, NSS unveiled by the United States last night described India as a leading global power. The 68-page document unveiled by President Donald Trump said, the US welcomes India’s emergence as a leading global power and stronger strategic and defence partner.
It said Washington will deepen America’s strategic partnership with India and support its leadership role in Indian Ocean security and throughout the broader region. The US said it will help South Asian countries maintain their sovereignty as China increases its influence in the region.
The NSS said the US will seek to increase quadrilateral cooperation with India, Japan and Australia. The White House said, the NSS sets a positive strategic direction for the US that will restore America’s advantages in the world and build upon America’s great strengths.
The US also seeks Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorists. The NSS said, the US continues to face threats from transnational terrorists and militants operating from within Pakistan.
It said, the US will press Pakistan to intensify its counter-terrorism efforts, since no partnership can survive a country’s support for militants and terrorists who target a partner’s own service members and officials.
It said, US interests in the region include countering terrorist threats that impact the security of the US homeland and its allies, preventing cross-border terrorism that raises the prospect of military and nuclear tensions, and preventing nuclear weapons, technology, and materials from falling into the hands of terrorists.
The NSS said the US is committed to supporting the Afghan government and security forces in their fight against the Taliban, al-Qaeda, the Islamic State terror group, and other terrorists.
It said, the US will bolster the fighting strength of the Afghan security forces to convince the Taliban that they cannot win on the battlefield and to set conditions for diplomatic efforts to achieve enduring peace.