After a stopover in Sri Lanka, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met Maldives foreign minister Abdullah Shahid as he pitched for stronger ties between "Maldives and the US to promote security in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-stop-hyping-threat-china-urges-pompeo-amid-22-dialogue-with-india-338361">Indian Ocean</a>."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pompeo-says-china-has-brought-bad-deals-and-lawlessness-to-sri-lanka-338485">Also Read:&nbsp;Pompeo says China has brought bad deals and lawlessness to Sri Lanka</a>

Pompeo said the United States will open its embassy in the Maldives with a resident US envoy in Male as the Maldives foreign minister welcomed the move calling it a "historic step" which will form a "bridge" between the two countries.

During his interaction with the US secretary of state, the Maldives foreign minister Abdullah Shahid said that although the country's carbon footprint was very low but it was still suffering due to climate change. "We look upon the US and other large countries to work together," Shahid told Pompeo.

In Sri Lanka, Pompeo while meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-india-must-focus-on-threat-posed-by-china-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-338239">China's</a> Communist government a "predator" even as the Chinese embassy in Colombo hit back, tweeting a promotional image for the "Aliens vs Predator" video game.

"Sorry Mr. Secretary Pompeo, we're busy promoting China-Sri Lanka friendship and cooperation, not interested in your Alien v Predator game invitation," it said. The Chinese embassy, however, pointed out that it "firmly opposed" US secretary of state's visit to "sow and interfere in China-Sri Lanka relations, and to coerce and bully Sri Lanka".

Pompeo's visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka comes after his<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-stop-hyping-threat-china-urges-pompeo-amid-22-dialogue-with-india-338361"> 2+2</a> dialogue with top Indian officials on Tuesday amid the India-China standoff along the LAC.

India and the US concluded a defence agreement during the talks as the two countries pledged to work strongly in the Indian Ocean region even as China makes inroads in the area with its military and naval push.

After a stopover in Sri Lanka, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met Maldives foreign minister Abdullah Shahid as he pitched for stronger ties between "Maldives and the US to promote security in the Indian Ocean.

After a stopover in Sri Lanka, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met Maldives foreign minister Abdullah Shahid as he pitched for stronger ties between "Maldives and the US to promote security in the Indian Ocean." Also Read: Pompeo says China has brought bad deals and lawlessness to Sri Lanka Pompeo said the United States will open its embassy in the Maldives with a resident US envoy in Male as the Maldives foreign minister welcomed the move calling it a "historic step" which will form a "bridge" between the two countries. During his interaction with the US secretary of state, the Maldives foreign minister Abdullah Shahid said that although the country's carbon footprint was very low but it was still suffering due to climate change. "We look upon the US and other large countries to work together," Shahid told Pompeo. In Sri Lanka, Pompeo while meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa called China's Communist government a "predator" even as the Chinese embassy in Colombo hit back, tweeting a promotional image for the "Aliens vs Predator" video game. "Sorry Mr. Secretary Pompeo, we're busy promoting China-Sri Lanka friendship and cooperation, not interested in your Alien v Predator game invitation," it said. The Chinese embassy, however, pointed out that it "firmly opposed" US secretary of state's visit to "sow and interfere in China-Sri Lanka relations, and to coerce and bully Sri Lanka". Pompeo's visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka comes after his 2+2 dialogue with top Indian officials on Tuesday amid the India-China standoff along the LAC. India and the US concluded a defence agreement during the talks as the two countries pledged to work strongly in the Indian Ocean region even as China makes inroads in the area with its military and naval push.

Eye on China: US to open embassy in Maldives, says Pompeo

&nbsp;India and the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-in-a-major-boost-to-bilateral-ties-india-us-ink-strategic-defence-pact-beca-338263"> United States</a> have called on Pakistan to act on terrorism and not allow its territory to be used for terrorist attacks.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/news-alert-india-us-ink-deal-to-share-geospatial-data-338293/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The joint statement issued by both sides after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-india-must-focus-on-threat-posed-by-china-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-338239">2+2</a> foreign and defence minister meet in Delhi said, "They denounced the use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the "need for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-declares-18-pakistan-based-individuals-including-hizbul-chief-chota-shakeel-as-terrorists-under-uapa-338247"> Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT)</a>, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen."

Earlier this year at the seventeenth meeting of the India-US Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group had met virtually, followed by the third session of the India-US Designations Dialogue on September 9-10.

The joint statement calling on Pakistan to take "immediate, sustained and irreversible action" to ensure that "no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks" asked Pakistan to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators and planners of all such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai, Uri, and Pathankot."

Both sides have been exchanging information on sanctions and designations against terror groups and individuals.&nbsp;

After the Pulwama terror attack last year, US along with India's allies like France helped to list Masood Azhar as a global terror at the UN. Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammed was responsible for the 2019 terror attack in which India lost more than 40 paramilitary soldiers.

India and the United States have called on Pakistan to act on terrorism and not allow its territory to be used for terrorist attacks. Watch: The joint statement issued by both sides after the 2+2 foreign and defence minister meet in Delhi said, "They denounced the use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the "need for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.

India and the United States have called on Pakistan to act on terrorism and not allow its territory to be used for terrorist attacks. Watch: The joint statement issued by both sides after the 2+2 foreign and defence minister meet in Delhi said, "They denounced the use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the "need for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen." Earlier this year at the seventeenth meeting of the India-US Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group had met virtually, followed by the third session of the India-US Designations Dialogue on September 9-10. The joint statement calling on Pakistan to take "immediate, sustained and irreversible action" to ensure that "no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks" asked Pakistan to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators and planners of all such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai, Uri, and Pathankot." Both sides have been exchanging information on sanctions and designations against terror groups and individuals. After the Pulwama terror attack last year, US along with India's allies like France helped to list Masood Azhar as a global terror at the UN. Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammed was responsible for the 2019 terror attack in which India lost more than 40 paramilitary soldiers.

'Sustained and irreversible action': India, US ask Pakistan to act on terrorism during 2+2 meet

India's external affairs minister(EAM) S Jaishankar and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-state-of-state-mike-pompeo-meets-pm-modi-in-new-delhi-230479">US secretary of state Mike Pompeo</a> held a joint press conference in Delhi today with both leaders intent on taking India-US relations further.

EAM S Jaishankar during the press meet said that the Indo-Pacific concept was not "against somebody" asserting that it was about "peace, security, stability and prosperity."

Jaishankar and Pompeo touched on a number of issues during their meeting, especially on terrorism. &nbsp;Jaishankar reiterated India's position on "zero tolerance for cross- border terrorism".

"India and the United States have a strategic partnership and that is actually based on deep and broad convergence which has been steadily growing over last many years," Jaishankar said at the press meet.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-delhi-us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-meets-eam-subrahmanyam-jaishankar-230568/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Both as countries and as foreign ministers, harmonising our interests and our views, that's really the task of diplomacy. Obviously, from time to time in any relationship, specific issues will arise," he said.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said US-India partnership has already reached new heights including in "defence corporation" with the common vision &nbsp;for "free and open Indo-Pacific."

"We can see each other not just as bilateral partners, but something much bigger than that, so that we can help each other all around the world," the US secretary of state said. 
&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister(EAM) S Jaishankar and US secretary of state Mike Pompeo held a joint press conference in Delhi today with both leaders intent on taking India-US relations further.

India's external affairs minister(EAM) S Jaishankar and US secretary of state Mike Pompeo held a joint press conference in Delhi today with both leaders intent on taking India-US relations further. EAM S Jaishankar during the press meet said that the Indo-Pacific concept was not "against somebody" asserting that it was about "peace, security, stability and prosperity." Jaishankar and Pompeo touched on a number of issues during their meeting, especially on terrorism. Jaishankar reiterated India's position on "zero tolerance for cross- border terrorism". "India and the United States have a strategic partnership and that is actually based on deep and broad convergence which has been steadily growing over last many years," Jaishankar said at the press meet. "Both as countries and as foreign ministers, harmonising our interests and our views, that's really the task of diplomacy. Obviously, from time to time in any relationship, specific issues will arise," he said. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said US-India partnership has already reached new heights including in "defence corporation" with the common vision for "free and open Indo-Pacific." "We can see each other not just as bilateral partners, but something much bigger than that, so that we can help each other all around the world," the US secretary of state said.

We see India not just as bilateral partner, but something much bigger, Pompeo during joint press conference with Jaishankar

Laying the foundation for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-leave-for-g20-summit-today-first-bilateral-meeting-with-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-230584"> PM Modi's meeting with US President</a> Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met PM Modi and external affairs&nbsp;minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday in Delhi.&nbsp;

PM Modi during his talks with secretary Pompeo, reiterated priorities his government attaches to the US and "outlined his vision for the strategic partnership in the new tenure of the government", according to an Indian government release. Pompeo and Jaishankar had a frank discussion on a range of topics, from US-Iran tensions to S-400 to trade issues to terror.

Terror was something both agreed on with EAM expressing India's appreciation for the "strong support" received from the Trump administration and "zero tolerance" for cross- border terrorism. Pompeo said the US "will strengthen India's ability to fight terrorism" and New Delhi's ability to fight the scourge "should be second to none".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-delhi-us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-meets-prime-minister-narendra-modi-230490/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the backdrop of current Tehran-Washington tension, EAM shared with Secretary Pompeo India's interest and concern like diaspora, regional security and trade. Pompeo called for the need to make sure the Straits of Hormuz is open and reiterated what the US has been saying that Iran has been sponsoring terror.&nbsp;

On Indo-Pacific, EAM said the concept is "for something and not against somebody and that something is peace, security, stability, prosperity and rules". But Pompeo was critical of China, saying countries who are part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative has seen not "strings attached but shackles". &nbsp;

Contentious issues like trade and India's S400 with Russia also dominated the talks.&nbsp;

During the press statements, Pompeo said both countries can work together and "India is an important friend" for the US.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has been asking for more market access in the Indian markets.&nbsp;

India's EAM said: "Hoping both sides will find a common ground", "sign of mature relationship is that the ability to negotiate your way through".&nbsp;

On the S-400 deal, EAM made it clear to Washington, "we have many relationships with many countries....and many of them are some standing and they have a history". Explaining, "we will do what is in our national interest."

&nbsp;

Laying the foundation for PM Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met PM Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday in Delhi.

Laying the foundation for PM Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met PM Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday in Delhi. PM Modi during his talks with secretary Pompeo, reiterated priorities his government attaches to the US and "outlined his vision for the strategic partnership in the new tenure of the government", according to an Indian government release. Pompeo and Jaishankar had a frank discussion on a range of topics, from US-Iran tensions to S-400 to trade issues to terror. Terror was something both agreed on with EAM expressing India's appreciation for the "strong support" received from the Trump administration and "zero tolerance" for cross- border terrorism. Pompeo said the US "will strengthen India's ability to fight terrorism" and New Delhi's ability to fight the scourge "should be second to none". In the backdrop of current Tehran-Washington tension, EAM shared with Secretary Pompeo India's interest and concern like diaspora, regional security and trade. Pompeo called for the need to make sure the Straits of Hormuz is open and reiterated what the US has been saying that Iran has been sponsoring terror. On Indo-Pacific, EAM said the concept is "for something and not against somebody and that something is peace, security, stability, prosperity and rules". But Pompeo was critical of China, saying countries who are part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative has seen not "strings attached but shackles". Contentious issues like trade and India's S400 with Russia also dominated the talks. During the press statements, Pompeo said both countries can work together and "India is an important friend" for the US. The Trump administration has been asking for more market access in the Indian markets. India's EAM said: "Hoping both sides will find a common ground", "sign of mature relationship is that the ability to negotiate your way through". On the S-400 deal, EAM made it clear to Washington, "we have many relationships with many countries....and many of them are some standing and they have a history". Explaining, "we will do what is in our national interest."

Countries who are part of China's BRI have seen not 'strings attached but shackles': Pompeo during meeting with Jaishankar

In the first high profile visit from US in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-focus-on-defence-security-trade-and-boosting-strategic-ties-during-pompeos-3-day-visit-to-india-230237">US secretary of state Mike Pompeo</a> arrived in Delhi on a three-day visit.&nbsp;

The visit comes days ahead of PM Modi's meeting with US President Trump in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of 14th G20 summit and the second JAI trilateral - Japan, America and India.

The first JAI trilateral had taken place between Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, US Present Trump &amp; PM Modi in Buenos Aires in Argentina in December 2018.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in Delhi. He is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar &amp; Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/9Fd8cBmX9U">pic.twitter.com/9Fd8cBmX9U</a>
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On Wednesday, Pompeo will be meeting PM Modi at 10am followed by external affairs minister S Jaishankar at 12 noon which would be followed by press statements. The US secretary of state will also be making an "India policy speech" on Wednesday evening.

Calling the visit an important one, S Jaishankar speaking in Gandhinagar said, "we have a very positive approach for the meeting."

On the ongoing crisis in the Gulf due to US-Iran tensions, Jaishankar said, "we have a relationship with Iran we have a relationship with US....we will be guided by our national interest and that will be the yardstick of judgement."

India is concerned by the situation in the Gulf, especially with a large diaspora in the West Asian region. The Indian government says it has a strong and legitimate interest in maintaining stability and peace in the region and believes both Washington and Tehran should de-escalate and refrain from any action that can destabilise the region.

India will be discussing the import of Iran oil with Washington. The US had waived import of Iranian oil after its sanctions for all countries had been terminated by Washington.&nbsp;

On the geopolitical situation in the region, terror and Indo-Pacific will be the focus areas during Pompeo's visit. Trade remains an issue of contention with US President Trump calling India a "Tariff King".&nbsp;

Along with trade, H-1B visa, data localisation or use and storage of data of Indian citizens, S-400 missile defence deal with Russia remain other contentious issues.

On the S-400 deal, India has made it clear to the US that it has a long-standing defence relationship with Moscow which can't "be wished away" and that the deal has been in discussion with Russia for a decade.&nbsp;

New Delhi believes the Trump administration has enough flexibility to give a waiver under the American CAATSA law which imposes sanction on countries engaging in defence ties with Russia.

Also with China-backed Huawei, which is feeling Washington's heat, New Delhi will be looking at its own security requirements and will take its own call but before that will hear concerns of other countries as well.

This is the second visit of Pompeo to India. He was in India last year for the maiden 2+2 dialogue between defence and foreign ministers of US and India.

In the first high profile visit from US in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo arrived in Delhi on a three-day visit. The visit comes days ahead of PM Modi's meeting with US President Trump in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of 14th G20 summit and the second JAI trilateral - Japan, America and India.

In the first high profile visit from US in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo arrived in Delhi on a three-day visit. The visit comes days ahead of PM Modi's meeting with US President Trump in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of 14th G20 summit and the second JAI trilateral - Japan, America and India. The first JAI trilateral had taken place between Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, US Present Trump & PM Modi in Buenos Aires in Argentina in December 2018. #WATCH: United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in Delhi. He is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar & Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/9Fd8cBmX9U — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2019 × On Wednesday, Pompeo will be meeting PM Modi at 10am followed by external affairs minister S Jaishankar at 12 noon which would be followed by press statements. The US secretary of state will also be making an "India policy speech" on Wednesday evening. Calling the visit an important one, S Jaishankar speaking in Gandhinagar said, "we have a very positive approach for the meeting." On the ongoing crisis in the Gulf due to US-Iran tensions, Jaishankar said, "we have a relationship with Iran we have a relationship with US....we will be guided by our national interest and that will be the yardstick of judgement." India is concerned by the situation in the Gulf, especially with a large diaspora in the West Asian region. The Indian government says it has a strong and legitimate interest in maintaining stability and peace in the region and believes both Washington and Tehran should de-escalate and refrain from any action that can destabilise the region. India will be discussing the import of Iran oil with Washington. The US had waived import of Iranian oil after its sanctions for all countries had been terminated by Washington. On the geopolitical situation in the region, terror and Indo-Pacific will be the focus areas during Pompeo's visit. Trade remains an issue of contention with US President Trump calling India a "Tariff King". Along with trade, H-1B visa, data localisation or use and storage of data of Indian citizens, S-400 missile defence deal with Russia remain other contentious issues. On the S-400 deal, India has made it clear to the US that it has a long-standing defence relationship with Moscow which can't "be wished away" and that the deal has been in discussion with Russia for a decade. New Delhi believes the Trump administration has enough flexibility to give a waiver under the American CAATSA law which imposes sanction on countries engaging in defence ties with Russia. Also with China-backed Huawei, which is feeling Washington's heat, New Delhi will be looking at its own security requirements and will take its own call but before that will hear concerns of other countries as well. This is the second visit of Pompeo to India. He was in India last year for the maiden 2+2 dialogue between defence and foreign ministers of US and India.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo arrives in India on three-day visit

India and the United States are closing in on an industrial security agreement that will allow the transfer of defence technology, sources said on Monday, ahead of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's talks in New Delhi this week to promote strategic ties.

Mike Pompeo to arrive in India on Tuesday; all eyes on strengthening defence ties

US secretary of state Michael Pompeo will be on a three-day visit from June 25 to 27 during which he will meet external affairs minister S. Jaishankar.&nbsp;

This is will be the first high-level visit to India after the elections and according to the ministry of external affairs, "will be an important opportunity for both sides to explore ways to further strengthen the India-US strategic partnership".

The visit comes even as India US ties on trade have deteriorated over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tells-india-it-is-considering-caps-on-h-1b-visas-to-deter-data-rules-sources-228844">H-1B visa cap</a> to Washington proding New Delhi on data localisation and worries over Huawei.

On the issue of H-1B visa, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "India remains engaged with the US administration, with US Congress, emphasised time and again at high-level interaction, the contribution of Indian skilled professionals to growth and development of the US economy."

On data localisation, consultations are underway within the government and between the government and industry with MEA saying New Delhi remains engaged with THE US "and see how we can dispel any misconceptions on data localisation.&nbsp;

Data localisation is basically use of data of a country on how it is collected and stored.

While the global debate on the use of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-be-guided-by-our-economic-and-security-consideration-ministry-of-external-affairs-on-huawei-row-228972">China-based Huawei</a> continues with US raising concern, New Delhi said its decision will be "guided by economic and security interests".

Pompeo last visited India in September last year for the 2+2 dialogue between the then Indian defence and foreign ministers along with the American counterparts.

The US secretary of state's visit comes just ahead of PM Modi's meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan from June 28 to 29.

US secretary of state Michael Pompeo will be on a three-day visit from June 25 to 27 during which he will meet external affairs minister S. Jaishankar. This is will be the first high-level visit to India after the elections and according to the ministry of external affairs, "will be an important opportunity for both sides to explore ways to further strengthen the India-US strategic partnership".

US secretary of state Michael Pompeo will be on a three-day visit from June 25 to 27 during which he will meet external affairs minister S. Jaishankar. This is will be the first high-level visit to India after the elections and according to the ministry of external affairs, "will be an important opportunity for both sides to explore ways to further strengthen the India-US strategic partnership". The visit comes even as India US ties on trade have deteriorated over the H-1B visa cap to Washington proding New Delhi on data localisation and worries over Huawei. On the issue of H-1B visa, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "India remains engaged with the US administration, with US Congress, emphasised time and again at high-level interaction, the contribution of Indian skilled professionals to growth and development of the US economy." On data localisation, consultations are underway within the government and between the government and industry with MEA saying New Delhi remains engaged with THE US "and see how we can dispel any misconceptions on data localisation. Data localisation is basically use of data of a country on how it is collected and stored. While the global debate on the use of China-based Huawei continues with US raising concern, New Delhi said its decision will be "guided by economic and security interests". Pompeo last visited India in September last year for the 2+2 dialogue between the then Indian defence and foreign ministers along with the American counterparts. The US secretary of state's visit comes just ahead of PM Modi's meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan from June 28 to 29.

Pompeo arrives in India next week amid concerns over Huawei, H-1B visa

With an eye on countering increasing Chinese influence in key <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-hai-to-mumkin-hai-says-pompeo-ahead-of-india-visit-226682">South Asian countries</a>, the Trump administration has sought $30 million for what it has described as "Bay of Bengal" security initiative to provide foreign military financing to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

This is in addition to the $64 million already announced by the Trump administration for regional activities to support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-an-important-part-of-president-trumps-strategy-in-indo-pacific-pompeo-226121">infrastructure growth and connectivity</a>.&nbsp;

"We request that Congress support the department's new security cooperation programme in South Asia, the Bay of Bengal Initiative, with $30 million in foreign military financing that will build maritime and border security capacity for Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives," Alice G Wells senior State Department official for South and Central Asian Affairs told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Non-proliferation in a prepared statement on Wednesday.

The sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on US Interests in South Asia and the FY 2020 Budget on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We also request $64 million for regional activities to support raising infrastructure standards, supporting regional energy and digital connectivity, and bolstering cyber security," she said in her prepared remarks submitted to the Congressional sub-committee.&nbsp;

The Department continues to explore options for providing additional resources to support the Indo-Pacific Strategy in line with this request, and if available it intends to return to Congress to discuss them, she said.

With the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, she said, the Trump administration stands together with Congress by signalling to the region that America, itself an Indo-Pacific nation, is committed to promoting mutual prosperity.&nbsp;

The Department requests $468 million for South Asia for the fiscal 2020 which increases regional economic and security assistance, as well as development funding for India and Maldives. This more than doubles US' fiscal 2019 request, she added.

In the Indo-Pacific, the Trump administration is committed to ensuring a rules-based order, with free and open commerce, freedom of navigation, democracy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, Wells said.

These principles have helped to improve living standards for half of the world's population living in the Indo-Pacific region, and they remain critical for the region's long-term future, she said.&nbsp;

Seventy per cent of global commerce passes through the oceans of the Indo-Pacific, and the US will protect its seas and skies through our diplomatic engagement, development efforts, and security cooperation, she noted.&nbsp;

At the same time, the US, alongside India, Japan, Australia, and other trusted allies and partners, will support the political and economic autonomy of Indo-Pacific countries to ensure they can chart their own path to freedom and prosperity, as satellites to none, she told the lawmakers.&nbsp;

"We cannot allow China, or any other country, to subvert our partners through unsustainable infrastructure projects that push economies into unsustainable debt, or by contributing to an erosion of transparency and democratic norms," Wells said in her prepared remarks.

She told lawmakers that the Maldives is testament to the power of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

"Maldives is testament to the power of a free, open and rules-based Indo Pacific region," Wells said.&nbsp;

Commending the election of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on a platform of transparency and anti-corruption, she said the new Maldivian leader has taken aim at the preceding regime's secretive procurements of debt-laden, vanity infrastructure and has strengthened his outreach to the US and India.&nbsp;

"Maldives is an exciting new Indo-Pacific partner, and an example of how engaged voters and civil society can push back against corruption and authoritarian tendencies in favour of transparency and human rights," Wells said.

The US she said, stands with Sri Lanka in investigating recent terrorist attacks and strengthening its counterterrorism capabilities.&nbsp;

"The FBI quickly deployed at the request of the Sri Lankan government and helped dismantle the local terrorist organisations that carried out these attacks," she told the lawmakers in her prepared statement.&nbsp;

"Now we are assessing ways in which we may support the Sri Lankan government while it re-orients its security apparatus toward addressing international terrorism, and we will continue to impress upon Sri Lanka the need to respect human rights, including for members of minority groups, refugees, and asylum seekers," Wells said.&nbsp;

In her prepared remarks, Wells said Bhutan shares the US views on dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and is aligned with our objectives in the region. On Nepal, she said the US has encouraged it to take on a more proactive role in the Indo-Pacific region, and urge it to enforce UN Security Council Resolutions related to North Korea, among other priority global issues.

The fiscal 2020 request will enable the US to advance their mutual interest to help Nepal protect its sovereignty, enhance its security, and pursue prosperity, she said.

With an eye on countering increasing Chinese influence in key South Asian countries, the Trump administration has sought $30 million for what it has described as "Bay of Bengal" security initiative to provide foreign military financing to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

With an eye on countering increasing Chinese influence in key South Asian countries, the Trump administration has sought $30 million for what it has described as "Bay of Bengal" security initiative to provide foreign military financing to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives. This is in addition to the $64 million already announced by the Trump administration for regional activities to support infrastructure growth and connectivity. "We request that Congress support the department's new security cooperation programme in South Asia, the Bay of Bengal Initiative, with $30 million in foreign military financing that will build maritime and border security capacity for Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives," Alice G Wells senior State Department official for South and Central Asian Affairs told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Non-proliferation in a prepared statement on Wednesday. The sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on US Interests in South Asia and the FY 2020 Budget on Thursday. "We also request $64 million for regional activities to support raising infrastructure standards, supporting regional energy and digital connectivity, and bolstering cyber security," she said in her prepared remarks submitted to the Congressional sub-committee. The Department continues to explore options for providing additional resources to support the Indo-Pacific Strategy in line with this request, and if available it intends to return to Congress to discuss them, she said. With the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, she said, the Trump administration stands together with Congress by signalling to the region that America, itself an Indo-Pacific nation, is committed to promoting mutual prosperity. The Department requests $468 million for South Asia for the fiscal 2020 which increases regional economic and security assistance, as well as development funding for India and Maldives. This more than doubles US' fiscal 2019 request, she added. In the Indo-Pacific, the Trump administration is committed to ensuring a rules-based order, with free and open commerce, freedom of navigation, democracy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, Wells said. These principles have helped to improve living standards for half of the world's population living in the Indo-Pacific region, and they remain critical for the region's long-term future, she said. Seventy per cent of global commerce passes through the oceans of the Indo-Pacific, and the US will protect its seas and skies through our diplomatic engagement, development efforts, and security cooperation, she noted. At the same time, the US, alongside India, Japan, Australia, and other trusted allies and partners, will support the political and economic autonomy of Indo-Pacific countries to ensure they can chart their own path to freedom and prosperity, as satellites to none, she told the lawmakers. "We cannot allow China, or any other country, to subvert our partners through unsustainable infrastructure projects that push economies into unsustainable debt, or by contributing to an erosion of transparency and democratic norms," Wells said in her prepared remarks. She told lawmakers that the Maldives is testament to the power of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. "Maldives is testament to the power of a free, open and rules-based Indo Pacific region," Wells said. Commending the election of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on a platform of transparency and anti-corruption, she said the new Maldivian leader has taken aim at the preceding regime's secretive procurements of debt-laden, vanity infrastructure and has strengthened his outreach to the US and India. "Maldives is an exciting new Indo-Pacific partner, and an example of how engaged voters and civil society can push back against corruption and authoritarian tendencies in favour of transparency and human rights," Wells said. The US she said, stands with Sri Lanka in investigating recent terrorist attacks and strengthening its counterterrorism capabilities. "The FBI quickly deployed at the request of the Sri Lankan government and helped dismantle the local terrorist organisations that carried out these attacks," she told the lawmakers in her prepared statement. "Now we are assessing ways in which we may support the Sri Lankan government while it re-orients its security apparatus toward addressing international terrorism, and we will continue to impress upon Sri Lanka the need to respect human rights, including for members of minority groups, refugees, and asylum seekers," Wells said. In her prepared remarks, Wells said Bhutan shares the US views on dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and is aligned with our objectives in the region. On Nepal, she said the US has encouraged it to take on a more proactive role in the Indo-Pacific region, and urge it to enforce UN Security Council Resolutions related to North Korea, among other priority global issues. The fiscal 2020 request will enable the US to advance their mutual interest to help Nepal protect its sovereignty, enhance its security, and pursue prosperity, she said.

Eye on China: US government seeks more funding from Congress to bolster Bay of Bengal military security

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