Kamala Harris flags Pak terror role in meeting with Indian PM Modi

During her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Vice President Kamala Harris "suo moto" referred to Pakistan's role concerning terrorism and agreed on the need to rein-in and closely monitor Islamabad support for terror groups, informed Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla.

Harris acknowledged the presence of terror groups in Pakistan, said Shringla when asked whether the issue of Pakistan emboldening Taliban came up during the discussion between PM Modi and the US Vice President. "In that context when the issue of terrorism came up. The Vice President suo moto referred to Pakistan's role in that regard. She said that terror groups were working there. She asked Pakistan to take action so that these groups do not impact on US security and that of India," the Foreign Secretary said during a special briefing.

Pakistan has been accused of providing overt and covert support to the Taliban. Early this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that Pakistan has "harboured" members of the Taliban, including the terrorists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 23, praised US Vice President Kamala Harris as a "source of inspiration" while extending an invitation to her to visit India.

PM Modi met US Vice President Kamala Harris here, a day ahead of his highly anticipated bilateral meet with US President Joe Biden. "Your election as Vice President of USA has been an important and historic event. You are a source of inspiration for many across the world. I am confident that under President Biden and your leadership, our bilateral relations will touch new heights," PM Modi said in a joint press conference with Harris after the two leaders met.

"Continuing on this journey of victory, Indians would also want you to continue that in India, and therefore they are waiting to welcome you. I extend you an invitation to visit India," he added.

PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the US for extending a helping hand when the country was hit by the second wave of COVID-19 earlier this year.

"I extend my gratitude for the warm welcome that you have extended to me and my delegation. Some months ago, we had the opportunity to talk to each other over the phone. We had a detailed discussion at that time. The way you spoke to me so warmly and naturally. I will always remember that," PM Modi said.

Biden is scheduled to host PM Modi at the White House on September 24. This will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after Biden took over as the US President on January 20.

(ANI)