Terror, US aid to Pak to figure in Modi-Trump talks

NEW DELHI: Ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to the US, the government hinted on Thursday that the PM would raise terrorism emanating from Pakistan and US military aid to Islamabad in his meeting with President Donald Trump.
Asked if Modi was going to discuss the issue of cross-border terrorism with Trump, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said India's concerns regarding it were very well known and that it was logical to assume that matters relating to regional and global security would be discussed.“Terrorism that emanates from there (Pakistan) affects not only India, but other countries in South Asia and the world over,” he said.
“We do talk to our friends and partners on how to counter terrorism, cross-border terrorism and international terrorism,” he said. On whether India will apprise the US about its concerns over US military aid to Pakistan being diverted for anti-India activities, Baglay did not give a direct reply, but said such concerns were conveyed whenever there was an occasion.
In response to reported suggestions by UN secretary general Antonio Guterres that he was engaged in bringing about a dialogue between India and Pakistan, Baglay reiterated that bilateral issues between the two nations would have to be decided bilaterally.
“I have seen the reply which has been reported in the media. Essentially the secretary general asked a question in response to a question... Bilateral issues have to be decided bilaterally and the UN secretary general has been made aware of that position,” Bagley said.
Addressing reporters at his first press conference at the world body’s headquarters since assuming office in January, Guterres recently said he was engaged in bringing about a dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue.
“Why do you think I met three times the PM of Pakistan and two times the prime minister of India,” Guterres said with a laughter, responding to a question on whether he is involved in the matter.