India defends N Korea, Iran ties

India's foreign minister yesterday defended the country's ties with North Korea and Iran during talks with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson aimed at building robust relations between the two giant democracies.

Tillerson, who flew in from Pakistan which he called an important US ally in the restive region,  said the United States is concerned that extremist groups are threatening the "stability and security" of the Pakistan government.

"Quite frankly my view - and I expressed this to the leadership of Pakistan - is we also are concerned about the stability and security of Pakistan's government as well."

"Terrorist safe havens will not be tolerated," Tillerson said. Pakistan says it is doing all it can to fight the militants.

The Trump administration has launched a new US effort to deepen military and economic ties with India as a way to balance China's assertive posture across Asia.

At the talks with Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, both sides pledged to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation and Tillerson said Washington stood ready to provide India with advanced military technology.

"The United States supports India's emergence as a leading power and will continue to contribute to Indian capabilities to provide security throughout the region," Tillerson told a joint news conference with Swaraj.

But the talks also touched on India's diplomatic ties with North Korea.

Source: Agencies