US NSA holds talks with PM Narendra Modi, Ajit Doval – Here is what transpired during the meetings

New Delhi: US National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt Gen HR McMaster on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held separate talks with his counterpart Ajit Doval.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval also attended the meeting at Modi`s official residence, according to a picture released by the Prime Minister`s Office.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Informed sources said the officials discussed security issues concerning South Asia and how to better cooperate on countering terror threats emanating from the Taliban and Islamic State`s presence in Afghanistan.
• As per the US embassy, McMaster emphasised the importance of US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India`s designation as a major defence partner.
• "The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counterterrorism cooperation," an embassy statement said.
• Doval and McMaster held detailed discussions on Indo-US relations, especially the security aspect of the ties, sources said.
• McMaster's visit was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad.

The US NSA arrived here on Monday evening, the first visit by a senior official of President Donald Trump`s administration.

 

On his South Asian trip that began over the weekend, McMaster on Monday visited Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and the Army chief, stressing "the need to confront terrorism in all its forms".

He also visited Afghanistan to review efforts at stabilising the country.