John Kerry to meet PM Modi today

US Secretary of State John Kerry will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi today. Earlier, India and the United States agreed to tackle the challenges of terrorism and strengthen intelligence sharing mechanism. Addressing a joint press conference with Mr Kerry after US-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, nations must not act as sanctuaries and safe havens for terrorist organisations. She apprised Mr Kerry of cross border terrorism by Pakistan and categorically said that there are no good or bad terrorists.

Mrs Swaraj said, Pakistan should withdraw safe havens provided to LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad and D-Company. Mrs Swaraj said, she and Mr Kerry agreed that Pakistan needs to book perpetrators of 2008 Mumbai terror attack and 2016 Pathankot airbase attack. She also thanked Secretary Kerry for United States's constant support for India's



membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Mr Kerry said, there cannot be distinction between good and bad terrorists as terror is terror no matter where it emanates from or who carries it out. Saying that Pakistan must act against terrorists in its territory, he said, US will continue to support all efforts to bring the perpetrators of 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot attacks to justice.

Briefing media, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, that Government has launched a transparent Government e-market place, developed by Directorate General of Supplies and Disposal. She said, both countries have agreed to look at best practices exchange. US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker said that she will look into India's concerns over the hike in visa fee for professionals.