Terror groups find haven in Pakistan, Islamabad must act against them: India, US

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stood firm on the issue of terrorism which was discussed at length during the Indo-US bilateral talks held in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Both the sides highlighted the need to end cross border terrorism and dismantle terror infrastructure in Pakistan.

"Too many terror groups find safe haven in Pakistan, and these are now threatening the stability of the country's government. We want to work with Pakistan in a positive way as we think this is in their interest in the longer term", Rex Tillerson said at the media briefing that was held after the talks.

Sushma Swaraj added, "Recent attacks in Afghanistan are a proof that safe havens and supporters of terrorism are active. Pakistan needs to act on this."

Reuters

India also urged the United States of America and the international community to hold all those nations responsible which provide such sanctuaries to terrorists and terrorist organisations.

"India and the US discussed that no country in the world should provide safe heavens to terror groups. Any country backing terrorism must be made responsible; the US' South Asia policy can succeed only when Pakistan acts on terror groups," Swaraj said.

Rex Tillerson re-emphasised on the words of the US President Donald Trump saying that terrorists' safe haven "will not be tolerated".

Tillerson also added that these terror groups are "threatening the stability of the Pakistan government".

The distinction between Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been one of the biggest challenges for the US administration in bringing normalcy in the AfPak region, particularly in Afghanistan.

But, India has spelt out in no uncertain terms that Pakistan needs to act against terrorism.