India continually faces terrorism threat from Pakistan, Sushma tells US

Talking to media after meeting John Kerry as a part of US-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, the Indian minister claimed that she and Kerry agreed that nations must not maintain double standards, such as the categorization of good and bad terrorists, nor must they act as sanctuaries and safe havens for terrorist organizations.

“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,” read the statement issued by Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Related: No evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in Pathankot attack: Indian NIA chief

India’s NSG bid

Sushma also thanked Kerry for what she described as US’s reiteration of continued support to India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

“We both agreed that India’s enhanced global role is in mutual interest,” said Sushma.

Also Read: India fails to become NSG member, blames China

India and US also agreed to work together on the implementation of Agenda 2030, through its 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs).

“The SDGs are entirely consistent with many of our Government’s flagship domestic initiatives such as “Skill India”, Make in India”, “Swachch Bharat”. Given the fact that we account for 1/6th of humanity, success or failure in realizing Agenda 2030 or fulfilling the SDGs, will depend on the success achieved in India,” said the Indian minister.

Developing Story… Updates to follow

EAM @SushmaSwaraj addresses Jt press interaction with @JohnKerry, highlights meeting of minds on issue of terrorism pic.twitter.com/EyQYn2Er78

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) August 30, 2016