WEB DESK / NEW DELHI
India and the US today agreed to further deepen cooperation in international fora like the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force to combat terrorism.
Making a joint press statement in presence of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defence James Mattis and Defence Minister Nirmala Sithraman after the conclusion of 2 plus 2 dialogue in New Delhi today, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the two sides agreed to strengthen the bilateral cooperation. She said counter-terrorism cooperation between the two sides has acquired a new qualitative edge and purpose.
India welcomed the recent designations of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists by the United States. Mrs Swaraj said, they underscored the International community’s scrutiny over the threat of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which has affected India and the United States alike.
Mrs Swaraj said, India supports President Donald Trump’s South Asia Policy. She said, Mr Trump’s call to Pakistan to stop its policy of supporting cross-border terrorism finds resonance with India.
On the issue H1-B visa, Mrs Swaraj sought Secretary Pompeo’s support to nurture the people-to-people links. India conveyed its expectation for a non-discriminatory approach to the H1B visa regime, given its high impact on innovation, competitiveness and people-to-people partnership.
In his statement, Mr Pompeo said, US will continue to cooperate with India in different areas. He said, the dialogue was symbolic and regional and global issues were discussed including the situation in Afghanistan.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement, COMCASA, was signed between the two sides today.
Secretary of Defence James Mattis said, the agreement will further deepen military to military partnership between India and the US.