Countering terrorism - same objective of India and America, says Manohar Parrikar

Countering terrorism is an important objective shared by India and the United States, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in Washington, while appreciating American support in India’s efforts to eliminate extremism in its neighbourhood.

“We resolved to continue our cooperation on counter-terrorism. Our open and diverse societies are committed to peace. However, as the United States has shown, there can be no compromise when we are faced with terrorism,” Parrikar said at a joint news conference with US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter on Monday.

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“The forces that seek to undermine our progress and our ways of life require our comprehensive and robust response. We appreciate the support from United States in our efforts to eliminate terrorism in India’s neighbourhood,” Parrikar said.

“Secretary Carter and I agreed that countering terrorism is an important shared objective. The partnership between India and the United States is driven by our shared values and interests. This was underlined by the enthusiasm of the US Congress with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June this year,” Parrikar said.

Responding to a question, Carter said that not only Indian civilians but its military also has been a victim of terrorism, in an apparent reference to the terrorist attack on Pathankot military base, carried out by Pakistani intruders.

“Terrorism is one of the many missions on which we cooperate...We oppose terrorism affecting anyone and us.  That’s certainly true with respect to terrorist acts perpetrated against the Indian people, and also I should mention the Indian military, which has happened as well. And this gives new scope for that, as well,” Carter said.