There is an increasing willingness on part of the Quad countries Australia, India, Japan and the US to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Wednesday.
Describing the Quad countries as vibrant democracies, Mattis said they will have their own interests, but the four countries can work together as they are governments of the people.
"I do see an increasing willingness on the parts of the quad nations to work together to explore new opportunities, and we're wide open to that," Mattis told reporters travelling with him to New Delhi for the maiden two-plus-two dialogue.
Mattis and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in New Delhi to hold the inaugural two-plus-two dialogue with their Indian counterparts Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
The focus of the dialogue will be to deepen strategic ties and resolve differences over India's defence engagement with Russia and crude oil import from Iran.
"We will continue to strengthen the quad framework. We'll have to see where nations are willing to do so. Some may be willing to do so in certain areas of maritime domain awareness, for example, exercising together," he said.
"And that's why we consult with each other. That's why once in a while, we get together, whether it be at Shangri-La or us coming to New Delhi now. So, we'll have to explore this," he said.
Mattis also said the United States hoped that Pakistan will be part of the community of nations that give no haven to terrorism.
"We do expect that Pakistan will be part of the community of nations that give no haven to terrorism. I mean, that's what we expect of all nations in the world. And so that's where we're at on it," he said.
"As far as the ISI, let me just say that Pakistan has a new government, against the odds of some skeptics. There was a peaceful transition of power. Government's being put together," he said.
"ISI is part of the Pakistan military. The Pakistan military is part of the Pakistan government. So, that's where it lies," he added.
Mattis said the US had been keeping a very close eye on the Haqqani network.
"We have our own views on it. Right now I'm not satisfied that I'm firm on why they announced it when they did," he said when asked about recent announcement about the death of the Haqqani leader Jalaluddin Haqqani.
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