US Defence Secretary says safe havens for terror cannot be tolerated

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 Mr Mattis was presented a tri-services guard of honour. His is the first Cabinet-level visit to India from the US since Mr 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 Ms Sitharaman after their talks. She said during their meeting, she told Mr Mattis that the very same forces that found safe havens in Pakistan were the ones who have struck in New York and Mumbai. Ms 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 Mr 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.