In her first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Vice President Kamala Harris raised Pakistan’s role in terrorism and urged Islamabad to take action to ensure America and India’s security.
According to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Kamala Harris agreed that India had been a victim of terrorism for decades and that there was a “need to rein in and closely monitor Pakistan’s support for such terrorist groups.”
The Prime Minister met with Kamala Harris, who has Indian ancestors, for an hour at the White House on Thursday. The discussions centred on strengthening the Indo-US strategic partnership as well as global issues of mutual interest, such as threats to democracy, Afghanistan, and the Indo-Pacific region.
When asked if Pakistan’s role in terrorism came up, the Foreign Secretary said, “When the issue of terrorism came up, the Vice President suo motu referred to Pakistan’s role in that regard (of terrorism).”
Ms Harris, he said, agreed that terror groups were active in Pakistan. “She asked Pakistan to take action so that this does not jeopardise US and Indian security. She agreed with the Prime Minister’s briefing on cross-border terrorism, the fact that India has been a victim of terrorism for decades, and the need to rein in and closely monitor Pakistan’s support for such terrorist groups “According to Mr. Shringla.
Ms Harris also stated that it is incumbent on the two countries to protect democratic principles and institutions both at home and around the world.
“As democracies around the world face threats, it is critical that we defend democratic principles and institutions both within our own countries and globally. And that we continue to do what we must to strengthen democracies at home, and that it is incumbent on our nations to protect democracies in the best interests of our people “She stated.
She is the third senior US leader, following Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, to speak out about the importance of preserving democratic values.
PM Modi and Ms Harris previously spoke on the phone in June, when India was dealing with a massive increase in Covid.
In recalling their conversation, the Prime Minister described Ms Harris as a “inspiration for many around the world,” a “true friend,” and someone who spoke “like family,” and said he would never forget it.
“One of our interactions occurred during a particularly difficult wave of COVID-19 infections in India. I recall your encouraging words of support at the time “Prime Minister Modi stated.
“You extended a helping hand like a family, with a sense of kinship and so warmly, and the words you chose when you spoke to me, I will always remember, and I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You, like a true friend, had sent a message of cooperation and sensitivity, and we soon discovered that the US government, the US corporate sector, and the Indian community had all banded together to assist India.”
The Prime Minister also stated that “India and America are natural partners” because they share similar values and geopolitical interests.
“We are indeed natural partners, we have similar values,” he said of the oldest and largest democracies.
The Vice President also emphasised the importance of a “free and open Indo-Pacific region” at a time when the US is attempting to strengthen ties with allies in response to China’s aggressive moves in the region.
Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam all claim parts of the disputed South China Sea. In the South China Sea, Beijing has constructed artificial islands and military installations.
Both leaders spoke in front of reporters from India and the United States while wearing masks.