PM Narendra Modi, Donald Trump talk tough on terror

New Delhi/Washington: After the United States designated the Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a “global terrorist”, India and the US have read the riot act to Pakistan, with the India-US joint statement saying that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have called “on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries”.

They further “called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups.” US President Trump, in his individual comments, said that “radical Islamic terrorism” would be destroyed. The two countries “committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups including Al Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, D-Company, and their affiliates”. New Delhi also “appreciated” in the joint statement that “the United States designation of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen leader as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist as evidence of the commitment of the United States to end terror in all its forms”. Significantly, LeT, JeM and the D-Company operate from Pakistan.

The two countries also “stressed that terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought and terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world”. The US also said it “has offered for India’s consideration the sale of Sea Guardian Unmanned Aerial Systems”.

The resolve of the two countries to strengthen anti-terror cooperation has come as a big diplomatic win for New Delhi and a big blow for Islamabad, which was trying to portray the Hizbul militants as “freedom fighters”.

In his individual remarks, Mr Trump said: “The security partnership between the US and India is incredibly important. Both our nations have been struck by the evils of terrorism and we are both determined to destroy terrorist organisations and the radical ideology that drives them. We will destroy  radical Islamic terrorism.”

Mr Modi said: “Eliminating terrorism is among the topmost priorities for us. We talked about terrorism, extremism and radicalisation and agreed to cooperate on this. Fighting terrorism and doing away with the safe shelters, sanctuaries, and safe havens will be an important part of our cooperation.”

The camaraderie between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump was on full display as the two leaders heaped praise on each other, voiced appreciation for each other’s leadership and embraced more than once at the White House.

Mr Trump said he had enjoyed his “very productive conversation” with Mr Modi, adding that “the future of our partnership has never looked brighter”. After Mr Trump finished his speech, Mr Modi walked towards the US President and hugged him. After Mr Modi’s speech, the two leaders again briefly embraced.

Yet another hug was to come between the two, this time at the White House South Portico, as Mr Modi left for his hotel after the dinner.

The chemistry between Mr Modi and Mr Trump was very warm, cordial and open, and the two leaders were very comfortable with each other at their first meeting, India’s foreign secretary S. Jaishankar told reporters.

The Prime Minister also invited President Trump and his family to visit India, which the US President quicly accepted, though no dates have been determined.

“The leaders called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries. They further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups,” the joint statement issued by the two countries said.

“The leaders stressed that terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought and terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world. They resolved that India and the United States will fight together against this grave challenge to humanity. They committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups including Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, D-Company, and their affiliates. India appreciated the United States designation of the Hizbul Mujahideen leader as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist as evidence of the commitment of the United States to end terror in all its forms,” the statement went.

In a veiled reference to China, without naming it, the joint statement said: “As responsible stewards in the Indo-Pacific region, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi agreed that a close partnership between the United States and India is central to peace and stability in the region. Recognising the significant progress achieved in these endeavors, the leaders agreed to take further measures to strengthen their partnership... To this end, the leaders reiterate the importance of respecting freedom of navigation, overflight and commerce throughout the region; call upon all nations to resolve territorial and maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law”.

On strategic convergence in defence and other sectors, the two countries said: “President Trump and Prime Minister Modi pledged to deepen defence and security cooperation, building on the United States’ recognition of India as a Major Defence Partner. The United States and India look forward to working together on advanced defence equipment and technology at a level commensurate with that of the closest allies and partners of the United States. Reflecting the partnership, the United States has offered for India’s consideration the sale of Sea Guardian Unmanned Aerial Systems, which would enhance India’s capabilities and promote shared security interests.”

It added: “Resolving to expand their maritime security cooperation, the leaders announced their intention to build on the implementation of their ‘White Shipping’ data-sharing arrangement, which enhances collaboration on maritime domain awareness. President Trump welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s strong support for the United States to join as an observer in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium. Noting the importance of the upcoming Malabar naval exercises, the leaders determined to expand their engagements on shared maritime objectives and to explore new exercises.”

“President Trump welcomed further Indian contributions to promote Afghanistan’s democracy, stability, prosperity and security. Recognising the importance of their respective strategic partnerships with Afghanistan, the leaders committed to continue close consultations and cooperation in support of Afghanistan’s future,” the statement pointed out.

India was also on board regarding US concerns on North Korea, with the statement saying the leaders strongly condemned continued provocations by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), emphasising that its destabilising pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes poses a grave threat to regional security and global peace. The leaders called on DPRK to strictly abide by its international obligations and commitments. The leaders pledged to work together to counter the DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction programmes, including by holding accountable all parties that support these programmes.”