India's security concerns ‘first and foremost’, US deputy state secretary

The United States has appreciated India’s concerns about the spillover of terrorism from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the war-torn region. US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman on Wednesday said that India's security concerns will be "first and foremost" and in "front and centre" for us. Wnedy said both India and the US have a similar approach on the way forward in Afghanistan that included the Taliban ensuring an inclusive government and that Afghanistan must not become a safe haven for terrorists.Sherman, who is on a three-day visit to India, met foreign secretary Harsh Shringla in New Delhi to review the bilateral agenda of the two countries.

They discussed issues of regional interest, especially the evolving situation in Afghanistan, as well as developments at the UN. Reiterated commitment for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, including through continued cooperation under the Quad. pic.twitter.com/Ne7HGtHGmB

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) October 6, 2021

Sherman underlined that the both countries have laid out similar conditions on the way forward in Afghanistan, including the formation of an inclusive government that represents all communities and preventing Afghan soil from becoming a safe haven for terrorists. Other conditions include respect for human rights, and providing safe and orderly travel for those who want to leave Afghanistan. Sherman said that the United States is putting together a robust programme for ‘over-the-horizon’ capabilities for counter terrorism capabilities in Afghanistan from far longer range. India's security concerns will be "first and foremost" and "front and centre" for the US, she added.