For the first time after the Pulwama terrorist attack, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed their complementary visions for the Indo-Pacific, US-India defense cooperation, and the growing US-India economic partnership, including joint efforts to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and reciprocal manner.
Secretary Pompeo affirmed that the US stands with the people and government of India in the fight against terrorism. They discussed the importance of bringing those responsible for the attack to justice and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil.
Secretary Pompeo expressed his understanding of India's concerns regarding cross -border terrorism. They agreed that Pakistan needs to take concerted action to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure and to deny safe haven to all terrorist groups in its territory.
“They also agreed that those who support or abet terrorism in any form should be held accountable,” a statement issued after the meeting read.
Gokhale conveyed appreciation to the US Government and to Secretary Pompeo personally for the firm support that India received from the US in the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Pulwama, in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. He apprised Secretary Pompeo about recent developments in this regard.
In response to Secretary Pompeo's reference to bilateral trade matters, Gokhale underscored the significant reduction in trade deficit in the last three years and conveyed India's willingness to remain engaged with the US for a meaningful and mutually acceptable package on trade issues.
Gokhale had arrived in the United States for the bilateral Foreign Office Consultation and Strategic Security Dialogue, with Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson, in addition to Pompeo.
