Ansari, Sushma call on US Prez
Vice-president Hamid Ansari and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj on Monday called on visiting US President Barack Obama at his presidential suite in Maurya Sheraton Hotel. Both the leaders met the US President for around half-an-hour each and discussed bilateral and other issues. Dr Ansari was among the first to meet Mr Obama soon after the joint press conference of the US President with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
During her meeting with Mr Obama, Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj raised five issues including outsourcing, Bhopal gas tragedy and role of Pakistan in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. Ms Swaraj told the US President that her party had always considered US and India, the two largest democracies of the world, as natural allies. US ambassador to India Timothy Roemer was also present during the meeting.
Appreciating Mr Obama’s concern regarding the 26/11 terror attack and his sympathies towards the victims and their families, Ms Swaraj also expressed concern that granting special status to Pakistan or treating it as the most important non-Nato ally, is giving an impression that Pakistan is US’ ally, whereas India is simply a market for it.
“US and India share a common perception of the war against terror. However, every Indian would appreciate if the US is clear in identifying the perpetrator of this terror attack, namely Pakistan,” Ms Swaraj told the US President during their meeting which lasted for 28 minutes.
The principal Opposition also emphasised that China cannot have a role in resolving any issue in South Asia and the US should work towards dispelling this notion.
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