Modi-Trump Talks: Words and Pack-Patting Cannot End Terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President talked about need to fight terrorism, but what is now needed is concrete action; not just words. Enough blood has already been spilt in Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Trump hugged each other, shook hands and talked of the need to eliminate terrorism while addressing the media at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on Monday evening.

“We talked about terrorism, extremism and radicalisation and agreed to cooperate on this. Fight against terrorism and their safe havens is an important part of our cooperation,” Modi said.

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All this may sound fine and assuring, but what is now needed is concrete action. The first action of sorts came when the US declared Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist just hours before Modi-Trump meeting.

Now, it is time to smoke out the global terrorist from the safe havens of Pakistan. And only strong US-India action – either direct or covert — can yield results.

The US must also share vital intelligence and back India in its efforts to root out terror havens inside Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

Also Read: US Alerts India of Attack From Pakistan Soil

If more surgical strikes are the need of the hour, so be it. The US must back India with intelligence support and solid backup in such cases.

Modi said India and USA are the “global engines of growth” and eliminating the menace of terrorism is among the topmost priorities for both the democratic nations. Modi said his discussions with Trump was an important page in the history of India–US relationship. “We talked about terrorism, extremism and radicalisation and agreed to cooperate on this. Fight against terrorism and their safe havens is an important part of our cooperation,” Modi said.

Agreeing with Modi, Trump said both nations are “determined” to destroy terrorist organisations and the radical ideology that drives them. “The security partnership between the US and India is incredibly important. Both our nations have been struck by the evils of terrorism and we are both determined to destroy terrorist organisations and the radical ideology that drives them. We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism,” Trump said.

Trump also said India has a true friend in the White House and insisted “our ties have never been stronger and better.”

The tough talk of terrorism came after both India and US held delegation level talks in the cabinet room at the White House.

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Modi also said he and Trump explored the ways to push the bilateral strategic ties. “Trade, commerce and investment are key areas. Technology, innovation and knowledge economy are also areas we are actively looking at,” he pointed out. He said both nations have agreed to work closely on boosting maritime trade and cooperation.

On the defence front, Modi said, “Peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region is our focus.” He said the increasing instability in Afghanistan was a cause of concern and said India and US were having close consultation, communication and coordination on this front.

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Modi also invited US President Trump and his family to visit India. Prior to the meet, Modi was accorded a warm welcome with the US President and the first lady Melania coming out of the White House to receive him. At the White House portico, they exchanged pleasantries and had a brief interaction before going inside for the summit meeting.

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Modi also invited Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump for a business summit in India.

Ending the visit to the US on a high note, the Prime Minister later left for Amsterdam.

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