We don't make distinction between good and bad terrorists, says John Kerry

The US on Tuesday “fully” backed India on its demand that Pakistan should act against terrorists operating from sanctuaries on its soil with US Secretary of State John Kerry asserting that his country “stands in strong partnership with India” against all terrorism.

Terrorism, more specifically that emanating from Pakistan, figured prominently in marathon talks between Kerry and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who briefed him extensively on the “continuing problem of cross-border terrorism that India and the larger region face from Pakistan”.

At a joint press conference with Kerry after the 2nd Indo-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue (S&CD), Swaraj said, “We reaffirmed the urgent necessity for Pakistan to dismantle safe havens for terrorists and criminal networks including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and D Company.

“Secretary Kerry and I also agreed on the need for Pakistan to do more to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot terrorist attacks to justice quickly.”

Kerry said he had spoken to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif so that Pakistan deprives any terrorist group of sanctuary. 

Here are the highlights of joint press address of Swaraj and Kerry:

#There was discussion on terror,& clearly we agreed on all points: EAM Swaraj

#It's well known that LeT & Haqqani network have operated from Pakistan

#I've talked to Pak PM & General Raheel Sharif for the need for Pakistan to deprive any group (terrorist) of sanctuary: US Secy of State

#We have reiterated that terrorism and talks do not go hand in hand. Talks will happen when they address issues like Pathankot attack: EAM

#There is no rift caused by us when it comes to Pak, we have been of view that we want peaceful talks: EAM

#US and India are of exactly similar mind with respect to issue of terror, not only to prevent it but to bring terrorists to justice: John Kerry

#US stands in strong partnership with India against all terrorism: John Kerry

#We also discussed making it easier for Indian travellers to enter the US: John Kerry

#Bottom line is that India & US are more deeply engaged on more important issues than at any time in history of our relationship: John Kerry

#To prevent diseases we intend to start clinical trials for vaccines against Tuberculosis & Dengue: US Secy of State John Kerry

#US will do more to help India to upgrade its power grid, says US Secy of State John Kerry

#Secy Kerry and I agreed on need for Pak to do more to bring perpetrators of 2008 Mumbai & 2016 Pathankot terror attacks to justice quickly: EAM

#We cant, won't make distinction between good and bad terrorists; terror is terror no matter where it comes from or who carries it out: John Kerry

#Secy Kerry and I discussed the issue of terrorism at length, happy to note that there was a "meeting of minds" on the issue: EAM Swaraj

#US continues to support all efforts to bring the perpetrators of '08 Mumbai and '16 Pathankot attacks to justice: US Secy OF State John Kerry

#We reaffirmed the urgent necessity for Pakistan to dismantle safe havens  for terrorists and criminals networks incl LeT, JeM: EAM Swaraj

#Wide ranging talks reaffirmed that when 2 such democracies get together we can’t only make a change for our citizens but for world: J Kerry

#We agreed that nations must not maintain double standards, such as the categorization of good and bad terrorists: EAM

#We have moved amazingly in this relationship (Indo-US), says US Secretary of State John Kerry

#I briefed secy Kerry on the continuing problem of cross border terrorism that India and the larger region faces from Pakistan: EAM Swaraj

#You (Sushma Swaraj) have always lived up to the reputation as a fierce advocate of India's interest & its citizens: Secretary Kerry

#This interaction has strengthened the US-India relationship; I hope it contributes to the world at large: EAM

#I thanked Secy Kerry for USA's constant support for India's membership in NSG: EAM Sushma Swaraj

#Secy Kerry & I agreed that Pak needs to take fast track actions to catch perpetrators of 2008 Mumbai attack & 2016 Pathankot attack: EAM

(With inputs from agencies)