Modi-Trump meet: India, US move closer on Pakistan than during Obama years

NEW DELHI: On terrorism and Afghanistan-Pakistan, India and US appear to be closer today than they were during the Obama years. After Monday's summit, which was preceded by the US listing Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist, the two sides decided they would "destroy radical Islamic terrorism". While Trump has always spelt out "Islamic" terrorism, Modi has been careful to not associate terrorism with any religion, having spoken enough on the subject.

Two things stood out in the Modi-Trump joint statement. First, the creation of "a new consultation mechanism on domestic and international terrorist designations listing proposals." This would presumably help US and India to coordinate their moves both bilaterally and multilaterally on listing terrorists. Currently, the US, UK and France are together sponsoring a move to ban Masood Azhar in the 1267 committee of the UNSC. This is being opposed by China, which has maintained a block on this for over a year now.

Trump in his remarks said, "Both our nations have been struck by the evils of terrorism, and we are both determined to destroy terrorist organizations and the radical ideology that drives them. We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism."

Pakistan did not get off lightly this time. At least on the statement, the sentiment was unusually sharp, holding Pakistan responsible for creating safe havens for terror groups.

They called on Pakistan to ensure its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries. Pakistan was also asked to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups. These are old lines and have found space in previous joint statements. Pakistan wasn't deterred then and it is unlikely to be deterred now.

The Modi-Trump meeting happened days after the Trump administration wrapped up the SRAP (Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan) office in the State Department, signalling that Pakistan does not need special attention. The US is also expected to announce an Af-Pak policy soon, though the shape of that policy was part of the discussions.

On Afghanistan, Trump said, "I also thank the Indian people for their contributions to the effort in Afghanistan". The joint statement elaborated it further. "The increasing instability due to terrorism in Afghanistan is one of our common concerns. Both India and America have played an important role in rebuilding Afghanistan and ensuring its security. In order to attain our objectives for peace and stability in Afghanistan, we will maintain close consultation and communication with the US to enhance coordination between our two nations."