As Prime Minister Narendra Modi describes the inaugural '2 Plus 2 Indo US Dialogue' as "very productive", Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has underlined the need for 'reinforcing' the shared interest by both countries to promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region."Before leaving India I met with PM Narendra Modi to reinforce our shared interest in promoting peace and prosperity across the Indo Pacific region," Mr Pompeo said in a tweet.
In his Twitter missives, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Secretary Pompeo, US Secretary of Defence James Mattis, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for "a very productive first ever India US 2+2 dialogue".
"I am sure this dialogue will further deepen India-US relations," he wrote.
Mr Modi also wrote: "Had a wonderful meeting with the Secretaries of State and Defence of US and discussed outcomes of 2+2 dialogue, bilateral strategic and security related issues".
The US dignitaries had on Thursday called on Prime Minister Modi after the delegation level and bilateral talks on wide range of issues between two sides.
Mr Pompeo on Thursday said both sides discussed about how "we can cooperate for a free and open Indo Pacific".
He said both India and the US actually have a "responsibility" to promote a free and open Indo Pacific and the values both the nations value - like "the rule of law and national sovereignty".
The Indo Pacific reference in as many words and more do reflect America's anxious moments vis-a-vis China's influence in the Indo Pacific region. Mr Pompeo also mentioned about the need to promote good governance, the protection of fundamental freedoms, rights and liberties, free air and reciprocal trade relationship and peaceful resolution to territorial and maritime disputes. "We know our people's ability to exercise their economic and personal freedom is based on strong, stable and secured environment," he has said.
US ready to work with India on Iran oil import issue: Pompeo
The United States has assured that while it is ready to work with India on Iranian oil import issue, Washington may consider waivers on the sanctions to be enforced from November in some 'appropriate' instances and is thus confident of an outcome that would "make sense".
"We’ll work with the Indians. We committed that we would do that. Many countries are in a place where they – it takes a little bit of time to unwind, and we’ll work with them, I am sure, to find an outcome that makes sense," US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo told American journalists - who were part of his travel team.
Answering questions, he said: "We have told the Indians consistently, as we have told every nation, that on November 4th the sanctions with respect to Iranian crude oil will be enforced".
He also said the United States administration will "consider waivers where appropriate, but that it is our expectation that the purchases of Iranian crude oil will go to zero from every country, or sanctions will be imposed". Mr Pompeo further said Americans would be keen to see that the "American products" are able to deliver and satisfy the other countries vis-a-vis crude oil.
"I think that would be a great outcome. But our mission set is to make sure that Iran does not engage in malign behavior with wealth that comes from countries around the world, thus the purpose of the sanctions," the US Secretary of State said. In June this year, the United States said it will impose sanctions against 'all importers of Iranian oil' by November 4. The announcement was also surprising as it stunned the oil markets and also the US allies and even adversaries.
Hours before the crucial inaugural of Indo-US 2+2 dialogue, a senior Indian official said here: "Our position has been quite clear on Iran....We have said that we would not like to see Iran become a nuclear weapon state. This is also a concern for the international community, not just the United States".
Pompeo hails Sushma: Says Modi, Trump put Indo-US ties on upward trajectory
New Delhi, Sep 7 The US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, who wrapped up his first visit to India in the official capacity, has hailed his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj and said both the leaders share concerns to create opportunities for both countries to "do better".
"I haven’t known her (Sushma) for a long time. I met her in person for the first time (on Thursday) but we’ve spoken by phone previously," Mr Pompeo said here at the end of his visit to India and Pakistan.
Answering questions on his 'relationship' with Ms Swaraj, the Secretary of State said: "We have a good discussion, one that is marked by true candor".
He further said: "I think we both share our concerns in places where we think our two countries can work together to do better and create opportunity as well".
Commenting on his maiden visit to India and Pakistan, he said: "there were my first visit to both countries as Secretary of State".
"His (Modi's) leadership along with that of President Trump have truly put the relationship between India and the United States on a good plane with an upward trajectory," Mr Pompeo said.
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