US to work with India, Pak for resumption of dialogue: Richard Verma

Mumbai, February 11

US Ambassador to India Richard Verma has said that his country will continue to work with both India and Pakistan to promote dialogue, combat terrorism and advance regional economic integration in South and Central Asia.

“This includes Afghanistan, where both India and Pakistan are key partners in that country’s future,” he added.

Verma also said that the US welcomes a stable, peaceful and prosperous China and a constructive relationship that also promotes security and prosperity in Asia and around the world.

“At the same time, we will manage competition from a position of strength while insisting that China uphold international rules and norms on issues ranging from maritime security to trade and human rights,” said Verma in his remarks at Asia Society Event, ‘A New Moment’, in Mumbai.

“This includes cyber-security, where we will take necessary actions to protect our businesses and defend our networks against cyber-theft of trade secrets for commercial gain whether by private actors or the Chinese Government,” he added.

Verma further said the U.S. looks forward to strengthening all of the regional dialogues, making trilateral consultations with third countries in the region more robust, deepening regional integration, strengthening regional forums, and exploring additional multilateral opportunities for engagement with the ultimate goal of building capacity in the region for long-term peace and prosperity for all.

“In sum, our countries are making a strategic bet on each other—a bet that has the potential for enormous reward if we act together and not alone; confident that the conviction of our beliefs, the value of our hard work, and the investment in our people, will be what makes us successful,” he added.  — ANI