India's global outreach: 'Strong support' - US on fight against Pakistan-backed terrorism

The United States reaffirmed its strong support for India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries. The delegation, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor at its helm, held discussions with US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau in Washington last week.While addressing Tuesday's press briefing, state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Landau emphasised America's firm support for India's anti-terrorism initiatives against the terrorism."Deputy Secretary Landau met with the Indian parliamentary delegation last week, and he also reaffirmed the United States strong support of India in the fight against terrorism, and strategic partnership between those two countries," Bruce said. The delegation's US visit was part of the government's worldwide diplomatic initiative following Operation Sindoor, which India initiated in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist incident that resulted in 26 casualties.Bruce noted that a Pakistani parliamentary group led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari engaged with State Department officials, including Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, during their Washington visit last week.

Hooker emphasised US support for the current pause in ground conflicts "– as you might imagine, thank God – between India and Pakistan", Bruce stated, noting discussions also covered key US-Pakistan bilateral matters, including anti-terrorism collaboration. "So that meeting occurred."When questioned about Pakistani assurances regarding action against terrorists, Bruce declined to elaborate on the conversation details.Although India had declined that US brokered the mediation between New Delhi and Islamabad, the United States President continued to claim that he did that. Regarding President Donald Trump's Kashmir mediation offer, Bruce stated, "Well, I – obviously, I can't speak to what's on the mind or the plans of the President. What I do know is that I think we all recognise that President Trump in each step that he takes, it's made to solve generational differences between countries, generational war."Bruce suggested it was unsurprising that he would want to "manage" such situations."So, while I can’t speak to his plans, the world knows his nature, and I can’t speak to any details of what he might have in that regard. You can call the White House. I have a feeling they would have plenty to say. But it is an exciting time that if we can get to a point in that particular conflict, thank God but also thank Secretary Rubio and President Trump and the Vice President. It is – it’s a very interesting time. And so it’s – every day brings something new, and I hope perhaps something like that can also get resolved before the President.

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