26.10.2017, India.
The US will help India with its military technology to modernize Indian military capabilities, the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said at a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on October 25, TASS reports.
Tillerson explained this decision by the desire of the US to support India’s emergence as one of the leading powers and to contribute to Indian efforts to provide security throughout the region. He also added that he is “looking forward to discussing deals for F16 and F18 fighter jets with India”, and possibly to assemble these planes in the country.
Furthermore, the need to jointly combat terrorism in the region was discussed at the meeting. Sushma Swaraj said that the US and India agree that “Pakistan should take immediate steps to dismantle safe havens which have been established there for terrorist groups.” Tillerson also called on Islamabad to fight against terrorists more actively. He said that “we want to work with Pakistan in a positive way as we think this is in their interest in the longer term.”
US officials have been repeatedly stating that they view India as an important strategic partner, including in the area of military cooperation. Besides, the current visit to India takes place against the background of a conflict between DPRK and the United States, as well as the rapid increase of contradictions between China and the United States, which of course, affects the agenda of the meeting.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
