US Vice President Kamala Harris during her historic meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ‘suo moto’ referred to Pakistan’s role in terrorism, while also pressing India on human rights issues.
Harris mentioned that there were terror groups working in Pakistan and that she asked Islamabad to take action so the matter does not threaten the security of India and the United States.
“When the issue of terrorism came up, the vice president suo moto referred to Pakistan’s role in that regard (terrorism),” the news agency PTI quoted foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla as telling reporters following the key meet between Prime Minister Modi and the US vice president.
Shringla, when asked if the issue of Pakistan’s role in terrorism came up during Harris’ meet with PM Modi, confirmed the development and added that the US vice president also mentioned there were terror groups working in Pakistan.
“She (Harris) asked Pakistan to take action so that this will not impact US security and that of India,” the foreign secretary of India was quoted as saying. “She agreed with the Prime Minister’s briefing on the fact of cross-border terrorism, and the fact that India has been a victim of terrorism for several decades now and on the need to rein in, and closely monitor Pakistan’s support for such terrorist groups.”
Kamala Harris Pushes India Gently on Human Rights
Kamala Harris invoked her familial ties to India as she gently pressed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on human rights during a history-making meeting.
Harris, during public remarks at her ceremonial office before the closed-door session, told Modi that as democracies around the world are under threat “it is imperative that we defend democratic principles and institutions within our respective countries.”
“I know from personal experience and from my family of the commitment of the Indian people to democracy,” she said, “and the work that needs to be done [so that] we can begin to imagine, and then actually achieve, our vision for democratic principles and institutions.”
The remarks marked a subtle change from the Trump administration’s unquestioned fidelity to the populist Modi, who has presided over an increase in religious polarization in his country, with more laws targeting religious minorities, including its large Muslim population, as well as attacks on non-Hindus.
PM Modi also invited Kamala Harris to visit India telling her that Indians “are waiting to welcome you” and calling her “the source of inspiration for so many people across the world.” Harris, who visited Southeast Asia last month, did not immediately commit to a trip.