INDOUS-STATEMENT 2

On Afghanistan, the two countries expressed deep concern On Afghanistan, the two countries expressed deep concernover violence and terrorism continuing in that country andcalled for sustained commitment and support of theinternational community for a stable, democratic and unitedAfghanistan. The two countries welcomed the convening of theIndia-US-Afghanistan Trilateral in New York later this year. Reiterating that defense ties form the bedrock of thebilateral strategic partnership, the two sides recognised theimportance of the announcement regarding India as a MajorDefense Partner of the US and decided to take further stepsexpeditiously to enable greater cooperation in the area ofco-production and co-development. "To this end, the US committed to elevate defence tradeand technology sharing with India to a level commensurate withits closest allies and partners," the statement said. Recognising the growing threats and challenges incyberspace and the serious risks to national security frommalicious cyber activity, both countris reaffirmed workingtogether to promote cyber security, combat cyber-crime,besides improve cooperation among technical and lawenforcement agencies. "In this context, they welcomed the signing of theFramework for the India-US Cyber Relationship," according tothe joint statement. On containing terror, they decided continue reviewing andconsider other organizations that warrant terroristdesignations including those that engage in cross-borderterrorism. Both the countries resolved to build on the ‘2015 JointDeclaration on Combating Terrorism’ by expanding theirpractical cooperation to increase capacity to address theworldwide terrorist threat. The two countries are developing more joint CounterTerrorism exchanges, programs, and initiatives to deepen thebilateral partnership, said the statement, adding the twosides reaffirmed their support for a UN ComprehensiveConvention on International Terrorism that strengthens theframework for global cooperation to combat the menace andreinforces that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism. The statement said both sides reaffirmed their commitmentto work together as priority partners in the Asia Pacific andthe Indian Ocean region. Reflecting shared objectives in combating the threat fromterrorists accessing and using nuclear and other radiologicalmaterials, the two sides reaffirmed commitments made at theNuclear Security Summit in Washington earlier this year. The statement said India and the US also reaffirmed theirsupport for a reformed UN Security Council with India as apermanent member. PTI MPBRT