New Delhi, July 17: On the eve of her first visit to India as US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton said that the US is not in any way exerting pressure on India to hold talks with Pakistan.
Hillary’s statement is apparently meant to clear any suspicions in India that Washington is pressuring New Delhi to hold dialogue with Pakistan and also give Islamabad some time in tackling anti-India elements operating from within its borders.
Media was agog, after the joint statement issued after Manmohan-Gilani parleys on the sidelines of the NAM summit in Egypt, about India buckling under US pressure to de-link action on terror with composite dialogue.
Speaking to a news channel, Clinton however continued to push the Pakistan case saying it is showing real commitment in fighting against terrorism. “Its (Pak govt’s) fight is giving Pakistani people hope against terrorism and we believe the nation is heading into the right direction,” she said.
She also made it a point to reiterate US’ view that sees India as a key partner in the Asian region, adding that US is committed to the nuke deal.
In a piece written for an Indian newspaper before arriving in Mumbai, Hillary had also opined that United States needs cooperation from both India and Pakistan in its fight against terror, while also pitching with Delhi for “more time” that Islamabad needs to deal with the menace.
“Terrorist attacks have been faced by us and it is time that we intensify our defence and enforce laws to make this world a secure place for our citizens. We should encourage Pakistan as the nation stand against the challenge of violent extremism,” she wrote.
Clinton also stressed on the need to work with India on common challenges like security, climate change and non-proliferation besides combating terrorism.
“In 1947 then US President Truman had recognised India’s independence and looked at it as a nation which faces great trials. But he had also expressed confidence in India joining leading countries in the world and find United States to be a constant friend.”
“President Obama and I believe we have the chance to forge a partnership worthy of that promise. I hope a new era of stronger cooperation between India and the United States will be one of the signature accomplishments of our new governments. The world has a lot riding on our cooperation.”
Lauding India for having tackled recession better than a whole lot of other countries and registering over 6% growth, the US foreign minister sought avenues of economic cooperation.
“Some Americans fear that greater partnership with India will mean lost jobs or falling wages in the United States. But if we manage our relationship well, both sides can benefit from India’s economic progress.”
Hillary underlined the strong fundamental similarities of “demography, democracy and diversity” that laid the foundation of a strong partnership.
–Agencies