Countering terrorism growing priority for India & US: Sushma Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said cross border terrorism directed at India is now recognised as a larger regional and global challenge and there has been growing convergence between New Delhi and Washington to counter it.

Addressing India-US forum in New Delhi yesterday Swaraj also underlined the need for respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity while carrying out connectivity projects, seen as a reference to China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

Referring to India's deteriorating ties with Pakistan, Swaraj said the "Neighbourhood First" policy of the government has yielded results with all countries in the region barring one.

On challenge of terrorism, Swaraj said India and the US has been attaching "high priority" to counter it.Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with US President Donald Trump in Washington last month, Swaraj said the "clear and unambiguous" message given jointly by the two leaders to contain terrorism needs to be



pursued with resolve by the international community.

She said India and the US stand together in upholding an international rules-based system that has benefited all nations, in an apparent reference to the situation in the South China sea where China has been ramping up its military strength.

She identified Afghanistan as an important "theatre of cooperation" over the last decade and half between India and US. She said US must remain engaged in Afghanistan so that gains of last 16 years are not frittered away. She said India remains committed to continue supporting the Government and people of Afghanistan.

Swaraj said India's emergence as the world's fastest growing major economy and the revival of growth in the US create win-win opportunities for both countries. She said India has emerged as one of the largest recipients of Foreign Direct Investments, reaching figure of 60 billion dollars last year.