US again terms India as important strategic partner

Washington [U.S.A.] August 23 (ANI): United States on Tuesday once again termed India as its very important regional strategic partner.

Addressing reporters on President Donald Trump's Strategy in Afghanistan and South Asia, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, "India is emerging as very important regional strategic partner with United States. India has played an important role in supporting the Afghan government, particularly supporting their economy. India has provided developmental assistance, economic assistance. They are hosting an important economic conference in India this week. All of that are important in stabilising Afghanistan as a nation."

It is notable that India has been actively helping Afghanistan in the reconstruction of the terror-torn country.

India aided the overthrow of the Taliban and became the largest regional provider of humanitarian and reconstruction aid to Afghanistan. Indians are working in various construction projects, as part of India's rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan.

US President's desire for an increased role of India in Afghanistan is a blow for Pakistan as it is opposed to Indian presence in Kabul.

Tillerson's remarks came a day after when U.S. President Donald Trump termed India as an important partner and sought New Delhi's more help in Afghanistan.

Speaking from the Fort Myer military base in Arlington, Va., Trump said, "We will develop a deeper strategic partnership with India, but we want them to help us more in Afghanistan."

Tillerson also warned Pakistan that US forces are going to attack terrorists wherever they live.

"We are going to protect US Interests and servicemen. We are going to attack terrorists wherever they live. We have put people on notice that if you are harbouring and providing safe havens to terrorists, be forewarned," Tillerson said.

He also said that United States has decided to give Pakistan 'conditional' support based on Islamabad's approach towards terrorism.

"We are going to be conditioning our support Pakistan and our relationship on them delivering results in this area. We want to work with Pakistan but they must change their approach," Tillerson said.

He admitted that there has been erosion in trust between Pakistan and U.S. because of anti-U.S. terror organisations in the country.

"Pakistan and U.S. have very good relationships but over the last few years there has been erosion in the confidence between the two governments; there has been erosion in trust because we have witnessed terrorist organisations being given safe havens inside Pakistan to plan and carry out attack against US servicemen, US officials disrupting peace inside of Afghanistan."

He added that Pakistan must adopt a different approach and we are ready to work with them, to help them protect themselves from these terrorist organisations, but certainly to begin end their attacks that are disrupting our efforts of peace".

Tillerson said that U.S. would engage with them who are providing havens to terrorists to ask them change what they are doing.

"The greatest benefactor other than Afghan people themselves in achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan are people of Pakistan. They will benefit more than any other nation."

United States President Donald Trump on Monday pulled up Pakistan for providing safe haven to terrorists and exhorted Islamabad to exhibit more commitment to fight terror.

Speaking from the Fort Myer military base in Arlington, Va., Trump said, Pakistani people have suffered from terror, but at same time Pakistan has been safe haven for terrorists."

He further exhorted Islamabad to exhibit more commitment to fight terror.

It's time for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to fight terror, said Trump, while unveiling America's strategy in Afghanistan where the US troops have been fighting the war on terror, which was started by former US President George W. Bush.

"Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose to harbour criminals and terrorists. In the past, Pakistan has been a valued partner and our militaries worked together against the common enemies. We recognize those contribution and sacrifices. But, Pakistan has also provided shelter those organsiations who try to kill our people," said Trump.

He further added, "We have been paying Pakistan billions of dollars and the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting. No partnership can survive if a country is harbouring militants and terrorist to target US service members and officials. It is time for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to civilization and peace."

Pakistan, a US ally in War on Terror, is accused of misusing the US aid mean for fighting terror. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI