India indirectly expressed its disapproval of the talks between top US officials and Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir in Washington. On Thursday, India reiterated its well-known concerns about Islamabad’s support for terrorism and expressed the hope that other nations would also take this issue seriously. General Munir had arrived in Washington for his inaugural official visit to the US, during which he held meetings with key figures, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer, and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q Brown.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, addressing the media at his weekly briefing, acknowledged the reports about General Munir’s meetings in Washington. He emphasized India’s longstanding concerns about Pakistan’s support for terrorism and cross-border attacks, urging other countries to prioritize counter-terrorism efforts.
Regarding the Maldivian government’s decision not to renew an agreement allowing India to conduct hydrographic surveys in the island nation, Bagchi did not provide a direct response. Instead, he highlighted India’s proven track record in hydrography and cooperation with numerous countries in the Indian Ocean region, emphasizing the visible benefits to partner nations.
In response to questions about Houthi rebels intensifying attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bagchi stated that India has a vested interest in supporting the free movement of commercial shipping in the region. He mentioned that India is monitoring developments and is part of international efforts to ensure the safe passage of ships. Bagchi emphasized India’s commitment to the safe transit of ships in the Arabian Sea and the importance placed on the free movement of commercial shipping.
The safety of maritime traffic was also a topic of discussion in a recent telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
