Scope to do Lot More in Area of Counter-Terrorism, Swaraj Tells Kerry

India and the U.S. on Monday discussed terrorism emanating from Pakistan and other issues of strategic importance as well as of commercial interest with New Delhi asserting that there was a “scope to do a lot more” in the area of counter-terrorism.

During the 2nd Indo-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue (S&CD), co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker here, the two sides also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key areas of energy and trade and business.The co-chairs were accompanied by high-level inter-agency delegations. In her initial remarks, Swaraj stressed on the need to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, saying “there is a scope to do a lot more.”

Apart from bilateral issues, substantive discussions were held on important regional and global developments including the security situation. She also stressed on the need to take care of “aspirations and interests” of companies while enhancing bilateral commercial ties. On his part, Kerry noted that the two countries have deepened their cooperation in defence, energy and cyber security.

The US was looking forward to finalise a cyber framework that will help the two countries protect from new global cyber threats, he said. He further said the US would want its civil nuclear cooperation with India to take shape in setting up of reactors that deliver reliable electricity to Indian households. On the commercial front, ease of doing business and visa regimes were among other aspects of trade ties taken up. The two-way trade between the countries stood at about $109 billion last year.