The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) told visiting US President Barack Obama that every Indian would have appreciated it if the United States had clearly identified the role of Pakistan in the 26/11 terror strikes in Mumbai.
Sushma Swaraj, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also told Obama the US should not send a message to the people of India that Pakistan is the most important non-NATO ally of the US, with India a market for business.In a 30-minute meeting, Swaraj said both the US and India were natural allies and the two countries had a common perception on the war against terrorism. Swaraj later told reporters the meeting was cordial and friendly.
“Every Indian would appreciate it if the US was clear in identifying Pakistan as the perpetrator of the Mumbai terror attack. The occasional utterances on behalf of the US, such as granting a special status relationship to Pakistan or treating it as the most important non-NATO ally of USA, cause concern in India. An impression should not be allowed in India that Pakistan is an ally and India a market,” Swaraj said in a written statement issued by the BJP.
Swaraj also emphasised that outsourcing was mutually beneficial to the economies of both India and the US, as it not only provided jobs to Indians but also made corporations in the US more competitive and added to the efficiency of the economy.
She also raised the issue of China’s growing influence in South Asia.“We emphasized that China cannot have a role in resolving any issue in South Asia. The US must dispel this notion,” Swaraj said.
Justice for the Bhopal gas tragedy victims and having the then chief of Union Carbide, Warren Anderson, tried for the charges against him was raised, too. “The gross tragedy that took place in Bhopal 25 years ago has still left its wounds behind. The US must take adequate steps to ensure punishment to the guilty. The environmental concerns in Bhopal require a resolution even today,” Swaraj told Obama.
The BJP leader also urged him to find a solution to the confiscation of social security payments for Indians who have worked in the US or who go to US for work on temporary permits.