How Ajit Doval ensured US recognised India as a key partner in fighting terror

India and the US are the world's greatest democracies. The coming together of these nations is crucial to the war on terror.

The United States is extremely optimistic about its relations with India especially on issues such as counter-terrorism. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged with officials at the highest levels to discuss a host of issues with the focus being counter-terrorism.

Highly-placed sources in Delhi say that the meeting with his counterpart H R McMaster and Defence Secretary James Mattis were fruitful. The US explained to Doval the recent orders by the Trump administration regarding the ban on laptops and electronic devices on US-bound flights from eight Muslim majority nations.

[Counter-terrorism: Decoding Ajit Doval's US visit]

Doval was told that the decision was taken to enhance security on flights. Doval visit was in continuation of the two phone calls between Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders have vowed to fight the menace of terror together.

India has described the meetings as warm, positive and encouraging. Various issues -- both regional and global -- were discussed during the meetings. Doval impressed upon the US officials about the need for enhanced cooperation. Pakistan did not specifically come up for discussion. However, the country was discussed in the context of regional security.

Doval sought to understand the thinking in the US about both Pakistan and China. It was discussed in the broader context. The general feeling that Doval got was that the new administration in the US was concerned about the rising problem of terror in the region. The US has assured India of all support in the war against terror.

China too was discussed in a broader context. India got a better understanding of what the concerns of the US regarding China was. China's support to Pakistan is among the many concerns that the US has on this issue. Doval told his counterpart that the two greatest democracies must work together to combat the threat of terrorism.

OneIndia News