New Delhi: Sending a clear message to Pakistan, US President Barack Obama has said “safe havens” of terrorism within that country were not acceptable and described India as a “true global” partner.
Obama also called for those behind the Mumbai terror attacks to be brought to justice.
“I have made it clear that even as the US works with Pakistan to meet the threat of terrorism, safe havens within Pakistan are not acceptable and that those behind the Mumbai terrorist attack must face justice,” Obama said in an interview to the India Today weekly magazine which is to be published in its upcoming issue.
Obama, who arrives here Jan 25 on a three-day visit during which he will be the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade, said: “As president, I have made sure that the US has been unrelenting in its fight against terrorist groups — a fight in which Indians and Americans are united.”
Obama said Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to the US last September was an opportunity for him to benefit from Modi’s resounding mandate in 2014 that imbued “new hopes and energy”.
“Now, Modi’s election and his commitment to a new chapter in the relationship between our countries, gives us an opportunity to further energise our partnership.”
Obama, who will be the first US president to visit India twice and the only US president to be chief guest at the Republic Day parade, said the time was opportune to realise his vision for India and US as “true global partners”.
