India slams Pakistan for providing safe haven to terrorists; Sushma Swaraj says Islamabad should be isolated globally
New Delhi, October 25: The recent attacks in Afghanistan are proof that safe havens and supporters of terrorism are still active Pakistan and therefore it should be isolated. This was said by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during the joint press conference with the United States secretary Rex Tillerson who visited New Delhi to expand strategic ties with India.
While addressing to media, Minister Sushma Swaraj slammed Pakistan for providing a safe haven for terrorism and differentiating between good and bad terrorists. She said Pakistan should end terror safe havens and stop differentiating between good and bad terrorism immediately.
Minister Sushma also said, “Happy to inform that our defence and strategic relations have deepened after PM's US visit.” The External Affairs Minister also said, “We also discussed the important contribution of Indians working in the US on H1B visa”. “India, USA, Afghanistan trilateral meeting will be held in December,” she added.
During the press conference being asked about cutting the diplomatic ties with North Korea, Minister Sushma said trade relations with Pyongyang are already at a minimum, but it is important to continue having an embassy in North Korea.
Meanwhile, Rex Tillerson said, "India is a natural ally of the US and both the countries will work together to eliminate terror." He further said that the US has put pressure on Pakistan to act against terrorist organizations operating from their soil. “Relations between US and Pakistan has been frosty since US President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorist groups,” Tillerson added.
Importantly, Tillerson is visiting India after he made a trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan. This visit comes after the US government announced a new Afghan policy in August, envisaging a greater role for India while faulting Pakistan for not walking the talk on reining in terror outfits.
Tillerson had, during his meeting with Pakistani leadership on Tuesday, told Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to increase efforts to eradicate terrorists operating within the country. Tillerson discussed the bilateral cooperation and partnership, expanding economic ties between the US and Pakistan, and Pakistan’s critical role in the region.
