Pakistan promised the United States that it will deal firmly with all terrorists and will take steps to de-escalate tensions with India, President Donald Trump’s national security advisor John Bolton said on Monday.
Bolton said that he had spoken with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and such assurance was given by him.
“Spoke with Pakistani FM Qureshi to encourage meaningful steps against JeM and other terrorist groups operating from Pakistan. The FM assured me that Pakistan would deal firmly with all terrorists and will continue steps to deescalate tensions with India, Bolton tweeted.
Bolton’s call with Qureshi came during the ongoing visit of the Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.
“Secretary Pompeo affirmed that the United States stands with the people and government of India in the fight against terrorism. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Secretary Gokhale discussed the importance of bringing those responsible for the attack to justice and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said.
“They noted the strength of our partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation, including on counterterrorism,” Palladino added.
“.@SecPompeo met today with Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, affirming the strength of our strategic partnership and U.S. support for the people and government of #India in the fight against terrorism.” Palladino tweeted.
In February, JeM claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers, triggering air strikes and a surge in political tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
