America supports India’s right to self-defence: US NSA to Ajit Doval

John Bolton and Ajit Doval resolved to hold Pakistan to account for its obligations under the UN resolutions and remove all obstacles to designate JeM leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | Updated: February 16, 2019 12:45 PM IST

3 min read

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Bolton said that the US has been very clear on ending support to terrorist safe havens. (Reuters)

Standing with India in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, US NSA John Bolton told his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Friday that America supports India’s right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism. Both countries vowed to work towards ensuring that Pakistan ceases to be a safe haven for Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and other terror groups.

Bolton telephoned his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval Friday morning to express the US’ condolences and outrage over the Pulwama attack by Pakistan-based terror group JeM and he offered all assistance to India to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.

Read: Prime accused in Pulwama attack: How and why Jaish-e-Mohammed is upping its deadly act

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many injured when a JeM suicide bomber rammed his vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday, for which JeM has claimed responsibility.

John Bolton and Ajit Doval resolved to hold Pakistan to account for its obligations under the UN resolutions and remove all obstacles to designate JeM leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist over the telephonic conversation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Also Read: Pulwama attack: How China blocked India from listing JeM chief Azhar as ‘global terrorist’

Bolton said that the US has been very clear on ending support to terrorist safe havens. “We have been very clear on that score… And, we are continuing to be in discussions with the Pakistanis,” he added.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had earlier tweeted, “We stand with India as it confronts terrorism. Pakistan must not provide safe haven for terrorists to threaten international security.”

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Thursday, “The White House calls on Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil, whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence and terror in the region.”

(With PTI inputs)

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