Rex Tillerson meets Narendra Modi: India, US agree to strengthen bilateral partnership, combat terrorism

New Delhi: India and the US on Wednesday agreed to further accelerate and strengthen their bilateral engagement when visiting US secretary of state Rex Tillerson called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. [caption id=“attachment_4175725” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US secretary of state Rex Tillerson. Twitter @PMOIndia[/caption] Welcoming Tillerson on his maiden visit to India in his current capacity, Modi noted with appreciation the firm upward trajectory in the bilateral strategic partnership following the “positive and far-reaching talks” with US president Donald Trump in Washington in June this year, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). “Prime Minister shared the resolve expressed by Secretary Tillerson on taking further steps in the direction of accelerating and strengthening the content, pace and scope of the bilateral engagement,” the PMO statement said. “They affirmed that a strengthened India-US partnership is not just of mutual benefit to both countries, but has significant positive impact on the prospects for regional and global stability and prosperity,” it stated. In the context of President Trump’s new South Asia Strategy unveiled in August, Modi noted the commonality in the objectives of eradicating terrorism, terrorist infrastructure, safe havens and support, while bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan. Tillerson also exchanged views regarding his visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan before arriving on Tuesday. “They further discussed stepping up effective cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms and promoting regional stability and security,” the statement said. Earlier in the day, Tillerson and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj held a bilateral meeting following which both jointly addressed the media. The US secretary of state also held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.