German Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/german-chancellor-merkel-kicks-off-her-3-day-visit-meets-pm-modi-259152">Angela Merkel</a> will host United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for talks in Berlin next Friday, a government spokeswoman said, as US forces resumed border patrols in northeast Syria.

Pompeo's visit comes after Thursday's return by US troops to patrol part of Syria's border with Turkey after a pullout ordered by US President Donald Trump that had opened the way for a Turkish assault.

"Alongside the bilateral relationship, current international questions" will be on the agenda at Merkel's office, spokeswoman Martina Fietz told reporters.

Pompeo also has meetings scheduled with Germany's foreign minister Heiko Maas, finance minister Olaf Scholz and defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

Fietz declined to say whether the pair would discuss Kramp-Karrenbauer's suggestion for international troops to set up a "security zone" in north-east Syria.

The defence chief's suggestion has provoked discord in German politics, with foreign minister Maas blasted by MPs for calling it "unrealistic" on a visit to Turkey last week.

Maas had pointed to the reality on the ground, where Kurdish fighters have ceded ground to Turkish and Syrian troops as well as Russian units allied with the Damascus government.

Friday saw the first joint patrols between Ankara and Moscow's soldiers under a deal struck to ensure the Kurds departed.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad rejected the idea of a U.N.-mandated security zone in a state television interview Thursday.

"We haven noted Mr Assad's comments but they change nothing about the federal government’s stated position on security and stability in the region," Fietz said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will host United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for talks in Berlin next Friday, a government spokeswoman said, as US forces resumed border patrols in northeast Syria.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will host United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for talks in Berlin next Friday, a government spokeswoman said, as US forces resumed border patrols in northeast Syria. Pompeo's visit comes after Thursday's return by US troops to patrol part of Syria's border with Turkey after a pullout ordered by US President Donald Trump that had opened the way for a Turkish assault. "Alongside the bilateral relationship, current international questions" will be on the agenda at Merkel's office, spokeswoman Martina Fietz told reporters. Pompeo also has meetings scheduled with Germany's foreign minister Heiko Maas, finance minister Olaf Scholz and defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. Fietz declined to say whether the pair would discuss Kramp-Karrenbauer's suggestion for international troops to set up a "security zone" in north-east Syria. The defence chief's suggestion has provoked discord in German politics, with foreign minister Maas blasted by MPs for calling it "unrealistic" on a visit to Turkey last week. Maas had pointed to the reality on the ground, where Kurdish fighters have ceded ground to Turkish and Syrian troops as well as Russian units allied with the Damascus government. Friday saw the first joint patrols between Ankara and Moscow's soldiers under a deal struck to ensure the Kurds departed. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad rejected the idea of a U.N.-mandated security zone in a state television interview Thursday. "We haven noted Mr Assad's comments but they change nothing about the federal government’s stated position on security and stability in the region," Fietz said.

Germany's Merkel set for talks with Pompeo next week

Beijing slammed US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-us-must-confront-chinas-communist-party-259032">Mike Pompeo</a> on Thursday for a speech it said had "viciously attacked" China.

In the latest hawkish take on China by President Donald Trump's administration, Pompeo Wednesday called Beijing "truly hostile" to the United States, and vowed to ramp up pressure on China on multiple fronts.

In response, Beijing rounded on his comments Thursday, which it said revealed "arrogance and fear."

"This deliberate distortion of the facts and slandering of China's domestic and foreign policies fully exposes the deep political bias and anti-communist mindset of a small number of US politicians," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a press briefing.

"Pompeo's speech viciously attacked the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government," added Geng.

In his talk at the conservative Hudson Institute in New York, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-mike-pence-and-mike-pompeo-head-to-turkey-seeking-ceasefire-256457">Pompeo</a> highlighted China's clampdown on Hong Kong protests and incarceration of Uighur Muslims, and said Beijing was seeking international domination.

Watch: Is Pompeo justifying Turkey's invasion?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pompeo-justifying-turkeys-invasion-257605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been rounded up in internment camps in Xinjiang.

After initially denying their existence, Beijing now defends the camps as "vocational education centres" that counter religious extremism and terrorism.

"The Chinese Communist Party is offering its people and the world an entirely different model of governance, it's one in which a Leninist party rules and everyone must think and act according to the will of the Communist elites," Pompeo said.

"That's not a future that I want... and it's not a future that the freedom-loving people of China" want, he said.

At a dinner attended by Henry Kissinger, the apostle of realpolitik who negotiated the US normalisation of ties with Beijing, Pompeo said Washington had long been too easy on China in hopes that it would transform.

"Today we're finally realising the degree to which the Chinese Communist Party is truly hostile to the United States and our values," Pompeo said.

Pompeo nonetheless said that the United States did not seek confrontation but rather still wanted to encourage a more "liberalised" China.

His remarks come amid a simmering trade war between the two countries, which Trump has voiced hope of resolving.

Beijing slammed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday for a speech it said had "viciously attacked" China. In the latest hawkish take on China by President Donald Trump's administration, Pompeo Wednesday called Beijing "truly hostile" to the United States, and vowed to ramp up pressure on China on multiple fronts.

Beijing slammed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday for a speech it said had "viciously attacked" China. In the latest hawkish take on China by President Donald Trump's administration, Pompeo Wednesday called Beijing "truly hostile" to the United States, and vowed to ramp up pressure on China on multiple fronts. In response, Beijing rounded on his comments Thursday, which it said revealed "arrogance and fear." "This deliberate distortion of the facts and slandering of China's domestic and foreign policies fully exposes the deep political bias and anti-communist mindset of a small number of US politicians," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a press briefing. "Pompeo's speech viciously attacked the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government," added Geng. In his talk at the conservative Hudson Institute in New York, Pompeo highlighted China's clampdown on Hong Kong protests and incarceration of Uighur Muslims, and said Beijing was seeking international domination. Watch: Is Pompeo justifying Turkey's invasion? Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been rounded up in internment camps in Xinjiang. After initially denying their existence, Beijing now defends the camps as "vocational education centres" that counter religious extremism and terrorism. "The Chinese Communist Party is offering its people and the world an entirely different model of governance, it's one in which a Leninist party rules and everyone must think and act according to the will of the Communist elites," Pompeo said. "That's not a future that I want... and it's not a future that the freedom-loving people of China" want, he said. At a dinner attended by Henry Kissinger, the apostle of realpolitik who negotiated the US normalisation of ties with Beijing, Pompeo said Washington had long been too easy on China in hopes that it would transform. "Today we're finally realising the degree to which the Chinese Communist Party is truly hostile to the United States and our values," Pompeo said. Pompeo nonetheless said that the United States did not seek confrontation but rather still wanted to encourage a more "liberalised" China. His remarks come amid a simmering trade war between the two countries, which Trump has voiced hope of resolving.

China blasts Pompeo for 'vicious' speech against Beijing

United States&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-officials-not-aware-of-escape-of-islamic-state-extremists-mike-pence-leaving-for-turkey-in-24-hours-256166">he and US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence</a> expect to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan when they travel to Turkey this week.

Pompeo, in an interview on Fox Business Network, said the US&nbsp;delegation was planning to leave later on Wednesday and that the goal was to find a resolution to the situation in Syria, not break the US-Turkey relationship.

Vice President Mike Pence will leave within 24 hours to Ankara to press&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-security-council-to-meet-on-turkish-syria-assault-256140">Turkey for a ceasefire in its offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters</a>, a US official said Tuesday.

"We will launching off to Ankara in the next 24 hours," the official said, a day after Pence announced his trip to Turkey without specifying the timing.

Turkey on Tuesday vowed to pursue its Syria offensive and slammed a "dirty deal" between President Bashar al-Assad's regime and Kurdish forces after the withdrawal of US forces from northern Syria.&nbsp;

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said he and US Vice President Mike Pence expect to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan when they travel to Turkey this week.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday said he and US Vice President Mike Pence expect to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan when they travel to Turkey this week. Pompeo, in an interview on Fox Business Network, said the US delegation was planning to leave later on Wednesday and that the goal was to find a resolution to the situation in Syria, not break the US-Turkey relationship. Vice President Mike Pence will leave within 24 hours to Ankara to press Turkey for a ceasefire in its offensive against Syrian Kurdish fighters, a US official said Tuesday. "We will launching off to Ankara in the next 24 hours," the official said, a day after Pence announced his trip to Turkey without specifying the timing. Turkey on Tuesday vowed to pursue its Syria offensive and slammed a "dirty deal" between President Bashar al-Assad's regime and Kurdish forces after the withdrawal of US forces from northern Syria.

United States' Pompeo says plans to meet Turkey's Erdogan 'face-to-face'

United States Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-burn-us-and-nato-flags-during-pompeo-visit-in-athens-253964">Mike Pompeo</a> on Saturday accused members of Congress of harassing his department to obtain documents linked to an impeachment investigation against President Donald Trump.

"There's been a congressional increase that harassed and abused State Department employees by contacting them directly and seeking to have them provide documents... that belong to the State Department, that are official US government records," he said during a visit in Greece.&nbsp;

"That's harassment. And I'm never going to let that happen to my team", he added.

The US congressional committees leading the impeachment probe cranked up the heat on the White House this week amid mounting evidence that Trump may have illicitly used his office to enlist Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's help to damage the bid of 2020 Democratic rival Joe Biden in exchange for military aid.

After dodging questions for days, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-can-be-pillar-for-regional-stability-pompeo-253933">Pompeo</a> finally confirmed Wednesday that he had been on the telephone call when Trump pressed Ukraine for damaging information on Biden.

Pompeo's Democratic critics say he is now a "witness" caught in a conflict of interest that should rule him out of decisions on how the State Department deals with the investigation.

He has been accused of "stonewalling" the investigation and trying to limit what his staff could discuss if they testify.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-was-on-the-call-says-pompeo-on-trump-call-to-ukraine-leader-253318">Pompeo</a>, who has been subpoenaed in the probe, said Saturday his department would provide "all the documents required by the law", at a press conference in Athens.

The US top official was in Greece to reinforce cooperation with its NATO ally, signing an amendment to a mutual defence agreement.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday accused members of Congress of harassing his department to obtain documents linked to an impeachment investigation against President Donald Trump.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday accused members of Congress of harassing his department to obtain documents linked to an impeachment investigation against President Donald Trump. "There's been a congressional increase that harassed and abused State Department employees by contacting them directly and seeking to have them provide documents... that belong to the State Department, that are official US government records," he said during a visit in Greece. "That's harassment. And I'm never going to let that happen to my team", he added. The US congressional committees leading the impeachment probe cranked up the heat on the White House this week amid mounting evidence that Trump may have illicitly used his office to enlist Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's help to damage the bid of 2020 Democratic rival Joe Biden in exchange for military aid. After dodging questions for days, Pompeo finally confirmed Wednesday that he had been on the telephone call when Trump pressed Ukraine for damaging information on Biden. Pompeo's Democratic critics say he is now a "witness" caught in a conflict of interest that should rule him out of decisions on how the State Department deals with the investigation. He has been accused of "stonewalling" the investigation and trying to limit what his staff could discuss if they testify. Pompeo, who has been subpoenaed in the probe, said Saturday his department would provide "all the documents required by the law", at a press conference in Athens. The US top official was in Greece to reinforce cooperation with its NATO ally, signing an amendment to a mutual defence agreement.

Pompeo blasts 'harassment' by Congress over impeachment probe

Protesters on Saturday&nbsp;burned the United States&nbsp;and NATO flags in Athens as the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-and-united-states-update-mutual-defence-cooperation-pact-253940"> US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held meetings with Greek government officials</a>.

Thousands marched outside the US&nbsp;Embassy in the Greek capital, holding up signs that read "Pompeo go home," and threw red paint on a statue of former US&nbsp;President Harry Truman in the city centre.

Greece and the United States have traditionally close relations even though many blame Washington for its tacit support for a military junta that ruled Greece between 1967 and 1974. Protest marches to the US&nbsp;Embassy are an annual event.

Demonstrators, which included supporters of the Greek Communist Party, held banners against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-can-be-pillar-for-regional-stability-pompeo-253933"> Greek - US military cooperation</a>. The United States uses a base on the island of Crete for naval and sea operations in the region.

Protesters on Saturday burned the United States and NATO flags in Athens as the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held meetings with Greek government officials. Thousands marched outside the US Embassy in the Greek capital, holding up signs that read "Pompeo go home," and threw red paint on a statue of former US President Harry Truman in the city centre.

Protesters on Saturday burned the United States and NATO flags in Athens as the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held meetings with Greek government officials. Thousands marched outside the US Embassy in the Greek capital, holding up signs that read "Pompeo go home," and threw red paint on a statue of former US President Harry Truman in the city centre. Greece and the United States have traditionally close relations even though many blame Washington for its tacit support for a military junta that ruled Greece between 1967 and 1974. Protest marches to the US Embassy are an annual event. Demonstrators, which included supporters of the Greek Communist Party, held banners against Greek - US military cooperation. The United States uses a base on the island of Crete for naval and sea operations in the region.

Protesters burn US and NATO flags during Pompeo visit in Athens

Shrugging off anti-United States&nbsp;demonstrations on a visit Saturday to Athens, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Greece can be a pillar of stability in a troubled region.

Pompeo is in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=%09Greece+steps+up+migrant+transfers+after+Lesbos+clashes">Greece</a> to underline support for a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) ally and reinforce cooperation, signing an amendment to a mutual defence cooperation agreement, sources for both governments said.

"This is a dynamic region, with lots going on, lots of change taking place and we are very confident that together, we can work to ensure that Greece can be a pillar for stability in this region," said Pompeo, hailing a relationship that "has truly never been stronger."

Thousands of demonstrators outside the Greek parliament begged to differ, some brandishing a huge banner reading "Pompeo go home."

His visit comes amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-seeks-early-imf-debt-repayment-to-build-trust-249500">Greek concerns</a> to which Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis alluded -- Turkish drilling off EU member Cyprus.

The discovery of huge gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean has triggered a race to tap the region's resources and sparked a dispute between Turkey and Cyprus.

"The United States has a special interest in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Cyprus only asks for the obvious, the implementation of international law... I expect the positive contribution of the United States, which will eventually lead to the creation of a more constructive and productive environment in the region," Mitsotakis added.

Turkey has had troops stationed in Cyprus since 1974 when it invaded and occupied its northern third after a coup sponsored by the military junta then ruling Greece.

As well as holding talks with Mitsotakis, who took office in July, Pompeo was also meeting Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias and Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos.

Pompeo refused to address questions from reporters on allegations that President Donald Trump pressured Ukraine for political favours, a claim which has launched an impeachment investigation.

Shrugging off anti-United States demonstrations on a visit Saturday to Athens, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Greece can be a pillar of stability in a troubled region.

Shrugging off anti-United States demonstrations on a visit Saturday to Athens, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Greece can be a pillar of stability in a troubled region. Pompeo is in Greece to underline support for a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) ally and reinforce cooperation, signing an amendment to a mutual defence cooperation agreement, sources for both governments said. "This is a dynamic region, with lots going on, lots of change taking place and we are very confident that together, we can work to ensure that Greece can be a pillar for stability in this region," said Pompeo, hailing a relationship that "has truly never been stronger." Thousands of demonstrators outside the Greek parliament begged to differ, some brandishing a huge banner reading "Pompeo go home." His visit comes amid Greek concerns to which Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis alluded -- Turkish drilling off EU member Cyprus. The discovery of huge gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean has triggered a race to tap the region's resources and sparked a dispute between Turkey and Cyprus. "The United States has a special interest in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Cyprus only asks for the obvious, the implementation of international law... I expect the positive contribution of the United States, which will eventually lead to the creation of a more constructive and productive environment in the region," Mitsotakis added. Turkey has had troops stationed in Cyprus since 1974 when it invaded and occupied its northern third after a coup sponsored by the military junta then ruling Greece. As well as holding talks with Mitsotakis, who took office in July, Pompeo was also meeting Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias and Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos. Pompeo refused to address questions from reporters on allegations that President Donald Trump pressured Ukraine for political favours, a claim which has launched an impeachment investigation.

Greece can be 'pillar' for regional stability: Pompeo

By Sidhant Sibal and Anshu Dubey

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington.&nbsp;

This is the fourth meet between Jaishankar and Pompeo in last four months. They two leaders first met in Delhi during Pompeo's India visit, the second meeting was held during ASEAN FMs meet in Bangkok. The third meet was held last week at the first-ever Quad Foreign ministers meet in New York and now in Washington.

After the meet, EAM Jaishanker said, "It was a very comfortable meeting, this is not the first time I am meeting him. A big part of it was spent on various bilateral issues and we did stocktaking post PM's meeting US President Donald Trump, both of us felt that trade issue has progressed for the larger relationship that was important. We see some early results"

He further added, "We obviously discussed our immediate region and what was happening in region East of India as well as South-East Asia. Some discussion on the Gulf. "

Jaishankar is in Washington after his New York visit during which he met more than 40 of his counterparts.

The meet also comes two days after PM Modi concluded his week-long high profile US visit. The visit, many see, helped bring US and India closers.

Both US President Donald Trump and PM Modi endorsed each other during the Indian diaspora event in Houston--Howdy Modi that saw the participation of 50,000 people, mostly Indian-Americans.

Using Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again", PM said, Trump has achieved much for the United States. Further endorsing him he said "abki baar baar Trump Sakar".

Trump meanwhile, called PM Modi as "One of Americas most devoted and most loyal friends" who is "doing a truly exceptional job for India and all of the Indian people".

Both sides are working on a trade agreement with trade minister Piyush Goyal meeting his counterpart United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer last week in New York.

President Donald Trump and PM Modi have met four times in last four months--on the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, G7 summit in France, the Houston diaspora event and bilateral meet on the sidelines of United Nation General Assembly.&nbsp;

Both sides are working on US President Donald Trump's first India visit later this year. Talks are already underway for the visit and US President Donald Trump also hinted at it when he spoke at diaspora event last week in Texas.

"Thousands in Mumbai will watch the first-ever NBA game in India..am I invited Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come", Trump said.

By Sidhant Sibal and Anshu Dubey India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington. This is the fourth meet between Jaishankar and Pompeo in last four months.

By Sidhant Sibal and Anshu Dubey India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington. This is the fourth meet between Jaishankar and Pompeo in last four months. They two leaders first met in Delhi during Pompeo's India visit, the second meeting was held during ASEAN FMs meet in Bangkok. The third meet was held last week at the first-ever Quad Foreign ministers meet in New York and now in Washington. After the meet, EAM Jaishanker said, "It was a very comfortable meeting, this is not the first time I am meeting him. A big part of it was spent on various bilateral issues and we did stocktaking post PM's meeting US President Donald Trump, both of us felt that trade issue has progressed for the larger relationship that was important. We see some early results" He further added, "We obviously discussed our immediate region and what was happening in region East of India as well as South-East Asia. Some discussion on the Gulf. " Jaishankar is in Washington after his New York visit during which he met more than 40 of his counterparts. The meet also comes two days after PM Modi concluded his week-long high profile US visit. The visit, many see, helped bring US and India closers. Both US President Donald Trump and PM Modi endorsed each other during the Indian diaspora event in Houston--Howdy Modi that saw the participation of 50,000 people, mostly Indian-Americans. Using Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again", PM said, Trump has achieved much for the United States. Further endorsing him he said "abki baar baar Trump Sakar". Trump meanwhile, called PM Modi as "One of Americas most devoted and most loyal friends" who is "doing a truly exceptional job for India and all of the Indian people". Both sides are working on a trade agreement with trade minister Piyush Goyal meeting his counterpart United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer last week in New York. President Donald Trump and PM Modi have met four times in last four months--on the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, G7 summit in France, the Houston diaspora event and bilateral meet on the sidelines of United Nation General Assembly. Both sides are working on US President Donald Trump's first India visit later this year. Talks are already underway for the visit and US President Donald Trump also hinted at it when he spoke at diaspora event last week in Texas. "Thousands in Mumbai will watch the first-ever NBA game in India..am I invited Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come", Trump said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets Pompeo in Washington

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
This was the fourth meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo in the last four months. They first met during Pompeo's Delhi visit, followed by a dialogue during Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Bangkok, then again last week at the first-ever Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York and now in Washington. 
&nbsp; 
The Indo-Pacific region, counter-terrorism, trade, and Afghanistan remained the key issues during the meeting. 
&nbsp; 
Jaishankar is in Washington after his New York visit during which he met more than 40 of his counterparts.

EAM in a tweet said that he had a "good conversation" with US Secretary of State on how to "further progress of our bilateral relations.&nbsp;"

He tweeted,"&nbsp;discussed important regional and global issues. Welcomed the continuing development of a key partnership."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A good conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> focusing on the further progress of our bilateral relations. Also discussed important regional and global issues. Welcomed the continuing development of a key partnership. <a href="https://t.co/cckktoXt1X">pic.twitter.com/cckktoXt1X</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1178855680167399424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

 
The meet also comes two days after PM Modi concluded his week-long high profile US visit. The visit, many believe, helped bring US and India closer. 
&nbsp; 
Both US President Donald Trump and PM Modi endorsed each other during the Indian diaspora event ''Howdy Modi" in Houston that saw the participation of 50,000 people, mostly Indian Americans. 
&nbsp; 
Using Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again", PM said, Trump has achieved a lot for the United States and endorsed him by saying "abki baar Trump sarkar". 
&nbsp; 
Trump meanwhile, called PM Modi "one of Americas most devoted and most loyal friends" who is "doing a truly exceptional job for India and all of the Indian people". 
 
Both sides are working on a trade agreement. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal met Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer last week in New York. 
&nbsp; 
President Donald Trump and PM Modi have met four&nbsp;times in the last four&nbsp;months - On the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, sidelines of the G7 summit in France, the Houston diaspora event &amp; the bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Both sides are working on US President Donald trump's first India visit later this year. Talks are already underway for the visit and US President Donald Trump also hinted at it when he spoke at the diaspora event last week in Texas. 
&nbsp; 
"Thousands in Mumbai will watch the first-ever NBA game in India... am I invited, Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come", Trump said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday. This was the fourth meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo in the last four months.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday. This was the fourth meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo in the last four months. They first met during Pompeo's Delhi visit, followed by a dialogue during Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Bangkok, then again last week at the first-ever Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York and now in Washington. The Indo-Pacific region, counter-terrorism, trade, and Afghanistan remained the key issues during the meeting. Jaishankar is in Washington after his New York visit during which he met more than 40 of his counterparts. EAM in a tweet said that he had a "good conversation" with US Secretary of State on how to "further progress of our bilateral relations. " He tweeted," discussed important regional and global issues. Welcomed the continuing development of a key partnership." A good conversation with @SecPompeo focusing on the further progress of our bilateral relations. Also discussed important regional and global issues. Welcomed the continuing development of a key partnership. pic.twitter.com/cckktoXt1X — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 1, 2019 × The meet also comes two days after PM Modi concluded his week-long high profile US visit. The visit, many believe, helped bring US and India closer. Both US President Donald Trump and PM Modi endorsed each other during the Indian diaspora event ''Howdy Modi" in Houston that saw the participation of 50,000 people, mostly Indian Americans. Using Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again", PM said, Trump has achieved a lot for the United States and endorsed him by saying "abki baar Trump sarkar". Trump meanwhile, called PM Modi "one of Americas most devoted and most loyal friends" who is "doing a truly exceptional job for India and all of the Indian people". Both sides are working on a trade agreement. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal met Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer last week in New York. President Donald Trump and PM Modi have met four times in the last four months - On the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, sidelines of the G7 summit in France, the Houston diaspora event & the bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Both sides are working on US President Donald trump's first India visit later this year. Talks are already underway for the visit and US President Donald Trump also hinted at it when he spoke at the diaspora event last week in Texas. "Thousands in Mumbai will watch the first-ever NBA game in India... am I invited, Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come", Trump said.

Jaishankar-Pompeo discuss trade at their fourth meeting in four months

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Italy Monday&nbsp;amid reports that he took part in a July phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

Democrats have been moving quickly since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced last Tuesday that she was formally launching an impeachment enquiry. On Friday three House committees announced that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been subpoenaed, and depositions had been scheduled for five other State Department officials.

House Democrats subpoenaed Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-in-donald-trump-ukraine-scandal-a-cia-officer-report-252276">Mike Pompeo</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine-related documents Friday as they plunged into an impeachment probe of President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-white-house-intervened-after-trump-ukraine-call-252228">Donald Trump</a>.

The heads of three House committees gave Pompeo one week to produce the documents, saying a number of State Department officials have direct knowledge of Trump's efforts to enlist the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-defends-ukraine-support-after-trump-call-row-252242">Ukraine government's help in his domestic political campaign</a>&nbsp;for reelection.&nbsp;

"The Committees are investigating the extent to which President Trump jeopardised national security by pressing Ukraine to interfere with our 2020 election and by withholding security assistance provided by Congress to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression," they said.

"The subpoenaed documents shall be part of the impeachment inquiry and shared among the Committees. Your failure or refusal to comply with the subpoena shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House's impeachment inquiry," they wrote.

The subpoena came one day after the release of an intelligence official's bombshell whistleblower complaint that describes Trump pressuring Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call to supply dirt on Democratic political rival Joe Biden.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Italy Monday amid reports that he took part in a July phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Italy Monday amid reports that he took part in a July phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. Democrats have been moving quickly since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced last Tuesday that she was formally launching an impeachment enquiry. On Friday three House committees announced that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been subpoenaed, and depositions had been scheduled for five other State Department officials. House Democrats subpoenaed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for Ukraine-related documents Friday as they plunged into an impeachment probe of President Donald Trump. The heads of three House committees gave Pompeo one week to produce the documents, saying a number of State Department officials have direct knowledge of Trump's efforts to enlist the Ukraine government's help in his domestic political campaign for reelection. "The Committees are investigating the extent to which President Trump jeopardised national security by pressing Ukraine to interfere with our 2020 election and by withholding security assistance provided by Congress to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression," they said. "The subpoenaed documents shall be part of the impeachment inquiry and shared among the Committees. Your failure or refusal to comply with the subpoena shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House's impeachment inquiry," they wrote. The subpoena came one day after the release of an intelligence official's bombshell whistleblower complaint that describes Trump pressuring Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call to supply dirt on Democratic political rival Joe Biden.

Pompeo heads to Italy amid reports that he took part in Trump-Zelenskiy phone call

The United States aims to avoid war with Iran and the additional troops ordered to be deployed in the Gulf region are for "deterrence and defense," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Pompeo added that he was confident US President Donald Trump would take action if such deterrence measures fail and that this was well understood by the Iranian leadership.

"Our mission set is to avoid war," Pompeo said. "You saw what Secretary Esper announced on Friday, we are putting additional forces in the region for the purpose of deterrence and defense," he said.

Pompeo said Washington was taking measures to deter Tehran, but he added that Trump would take necessary action if Tehran failed to change its behavior. "If that deterrence should continue to fail, I am also confident that President Trump would continue to take the actions that are necessary," he said.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have further escalated after an attack last weekend on Saudi oil facilities that initially disrupted half of the oil production from the kingdom, the world's largest oil exporter, and was blamed on Tehran by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

US has slapped more sanctions on Iran, penalising the Iranian Central Bank while the Pentagon said it was sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities.

Iran denied involvement in the attack. Yemen's Houthi movement, an Iran-aligned group fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war, has claimed responsibility.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, speaking to CNN, said the attack on Saudi oil facilities was an attack on the world economic system. He said the United States expects that any country attached to the US&nbsp;dollar system will abide by the sanctions on Iran.

Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year and ramped up sanctions to strangle its oil exports, a mainstay of the Iranian economy.

The move dismantled part of former US President Barack Obama's legacy and upset US allies who were party to the agreement, which was designed to restrict Tehran's pathway to a nuclear bomb in exchange for sanctions relief.

In recent weeks, Trump had weighed the possibility of easing sanctions on Iran and suggested he could meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is due to attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week. Rouhani has said that Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, would not talk to the United States until Washington lifted sanctions.

The United States aims to avoid war with Iran and the additional troops ordered to be deployed in the Gulf region are for "deterrence and defense," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

The United States aims to avoid war with Iran and the additional troops ordered to be deployed in the Gulf region are for "deterrence and defense," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday. Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Pompeo added that he was confident US President Donald Trump would take action if such deterrence measures fail and that this was well understood by the Iranian leadership. "Our mission set is to avoid war," Pompeo said. "You saw what Secretary Esper announced on Friday, we are putting additional forces in the region for the purpose of deterrence and defense," he said. Pompeo said Washington was taking measures to deter Tehran, but he added that Trump would take necessary action if Tehran failed to change its behavior. "If that deterrence should continue to fail, I am also confident that President Trump would continue to take the actions that are necessary," he said. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have further escalated after an attack last weekend on Saudi oil facilities that initially disrupted half of the oil production from the kingdom, the world's largest oil exporter, and was blamed on Tehran by the United States and Saudi Arabia. US has slapped more sanctions on Iran, penalising the Iranian Central Bank while the Pentagon said it was sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities. Iran denied involvement in the attack. Yemen's Houthi movement, an Iran-aligned group fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war, has claimed responsibility. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, speaking to CNN, said the attack on Saudi oil facilities was an attack on the world economic system. He said the United States expects that any country attached to the US dollar system will abide by the sanctions on Iran. Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year and ramped up sanctions to strangle its oil exports, a mainstay of the Iranian economy. The move dismantled part of former US President Barack Obama's legacy and upset US allies who were party to the agreement, which was designed to restrict Tehran's pathway to a nuclear bomb in exchange for sanctions relief. In recent weeks, Trump had weighed the possibility of easing sanctions on Iran and suggested he could meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is due to attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week. Rouhani has said that Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, would not talk to the United States until Washington lifted sanctions.

Pompeo says US mission is to avoid war with Iran but measures in place to deter

Amidst heightened tensions in the region following the drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-heading-to-saudi-arabia-over-iran-tensions-pence-250263">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> on Wednesday met Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) and expressed support for the Kingdom's right to defend itself.

"Met with #Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today to discuss the unprecedented attacks against Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure. The US&nbsp;stands with #SaudiArabia and supports its right to defend itself. The Iranian regime's threatening behaviour will not be tolerated," Pompeo said in a tweet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Met with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saudi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Saudi</a> Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today to discuss the unprecedented attacks against Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure. The U.S. stands with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabia</a> and supports its right to defend itself. The Iranian regime’s threatening behavior will not be tolerated.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1174451339042144256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A US State Department spokesperson said Pompeo discussed "the recent attacks by Iran against oil facilities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-aramco-pursues-ipo-planning-despite-attack-damage-doubts-250228">Saudi Arabia</a>" with the Saudi Crown Prince.

Both of them agreed that "this was an unacceptable and unprecedented attack that not only threatened Saudi Arabian national security but also endangered the lives of all the American citizens living and working in Saudi Arabia, as well as the world's energy supply in general."

"The Secretary and the Crown Prince discussed the need for the international community to come together to counter the continued threat of the Iranian regime and agreed that the Iranian regime must be held accountable for its continued aggressive, reckless, and threatening behaviour," the Spokesperson added.

The drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia was claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran.

The attack took place on Saturday escalating tensions in the region.

Amidst heightened tensions in the region following the drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday met Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) and expressed support for the Kingdom's right to defend itself.

Amidst heightened tensions in the region following the drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday met Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) and expressed support for the Kingdom's right to defend itself. "Met with #Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today to discuss the unprecedented attacks against Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure. The US stands with #SaudiArabia and supports its right to defend itself. The Iranian regime's threatening behaviour will not be tolerated," Pompeo said in a tweet. Met with #Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today to discuss the unprecedented attacks against Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure. The U.S. stands with #SaudiArabia and supports its right to defend itself. The Iranian regime’s threatening behavior will not be tolerated. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 18, 2019 × A US State Department spokesperson said Pompeo discussed "the recent attacks by Iran against oil facilities in Saudi Arabia" with the Saudi Crown Prince. Both of them agreed that "this was an unacceptable and unprecedented attack that not only threatened Saudi Arabian national security but also endangered the lives of all the American citizens living and working in Saudi Arabia, as well as the world's energy supply in general." "The Secretary and the Crown Prince discussed the need for the international community to come together to counter the continued threat of the Iranian regime and agreed that the Iranian regime must be held accountable for its continued aggressive, reckless, and threatening behaviour," the Spokesperson added. The drone attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia was claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran. The attack took place on Saturday escalating tensions in the region.

US stands with Saudi Arabia, says Mike Pompeo after meeting Crown Prince

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-blames-iran-for-saudi-attacks-pretend-diplomacy-249751">US</a> Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Saudi Arabia Tuesday to discuss possible retaliation after Washington said it had proof that attacks on Saudi oil installations originated in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-dismisses-us-claim-it-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-says-ready-for-war-249810">Iran</a>.

Vice President Mike Pence announced that Pompeo was on his way to the kingdom to "discuss our response."

"As the president said, we don't want war with anybody but the United States is prepared," Pence said in a speech in Washington.

"We're locked and loaded and we're ready to defend our interests and allies in the region, make no mistake about it," he said, echoing President Donald Trump's words on Sunday.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that the Trump administration has concluded that last weekend's attack involved cruise missiles from Iran and that evidence would be presented at the UN General Assembly next week.

The apparent hardening of the US position came as Iran's supreme leader ruled out negotiations with Washington "at any level."

This appeared to nix remaining hopes for a dramatic meeting between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-does-not-rule-out-trump-rouhani-meeting-after-saudi-attacks-249856">Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani</a> at the United Nations next week.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One over California, Trump said he too had cooled on what had always seemed to be a diplomatic longshot.

"I never rule anything out, but I prefer not meeting him," Trump said.

'It's not possible'

Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for Saturday's oil installation attacks, which halved output from the petro-state, a close ally of Washington.

But a senior US administration official cast doubt on that claim, saying that while the Huthis said they used 10 drones, one Saudi oil facility was hit "at least 17 times," and another twice by "precision-guided munitions."

Additionally, neither the type of drone "nor the cruise missiles employed in the attack can reach the facilities from Yemen. It's not possible," the official said.

The Huthis are at war with Saudi-backed forces in Yemen, turning the impoverished nation into a proxy battlefield for bitter regional rivals Tehran and Riyadh.

The increasingly complex conflict dovetails with the Trump administration's attempt to curb Iranian power through a "maximum pressure" campaign of crippling economic sanctions.

Trump began that campaign after unilaterally pulling out of a 2015 international deal meant to reward Iran for allowing restrictions on its nuclear industry.

He says that Tehran is secretly cheating and trying to build nuclear weapons and must be stopped.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Washington's real goal was to bring his country to its knees.

"The policy of 'maximum pressure' against the Iranian nation is worthless and all Islamic Republic of Iran officials unanimously believe there will be no negotiations with the US at any level," he said in a televised address.

Khamenei also said that as long as sanctions are in place, direct talks are impossible, including a meeting at the UN.

'Support for war?'

Whether the new stage of the long-running US-Iranian standoff leads to conflict is the big unknown.

Saudi Arabia, which has bought huge quantities of US weaponry, is considered a strategic ally in the region, second to Israel, another bitter foe of Iran.

Trump called off a retaliatory US missile attack on Iran in June after the Iranians shot down a spy drone. He said he did not want to kill what generals told him could be up to 150 people.

Trump's administration is considering responses to the latest attack including a cyber attack or a physical strike on Iranian oil infrastructure or its Revolutionary Guards, NBC News reported, citing unnamed US officials.

Republican Lindsey Graham&nbsp;a vital Trump ally in Congress struck a belligerent tone Tuesday, charging that "such a sophisticated attack could not have occurred without Iran's blessing and direct involvement."

"This is literally an act of war," Graham said.

'Oil market nervous'

The strikes hit Abqaiq, the world's largest oil processing facility, and the Khurais oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-falls-more-than-1-per-cent-as-market-awaits-response-to-saudi-oil-attacks-250122">Oil prices</a>&nbsp;receded more than five per cent on Tuesday, reversing some of the previous day's gains as analysts said they were expecting Saudi output to recover sooner than expected.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Saudi Arabia Tuesday to discuss possible retaliation after Washington said it had proof that attacks on Saudi oil installations originated in Iran.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Saudi Arabia Tuesday to discuss possible retaliation after Washington said it had proof that attacks on Saudi oil installations originated in Iran. Vice President Mike Pence announced that Pompeo was on his way to the kingdom to "discuss our response." "As the president said, we don't want war with anybody but the United States is prepared," Pence said in a speech in Washington. "We're locked and loaded and we're ready to defend our interests and allies in the region, make no mistake about it," he said, echoing President Donald Trump's words on Sunday. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that the Trump administration has concluded that last weekend's attack involved cruise missiles from Iran and that evidence would be presented at the UN General Assembly next week. The apparent hardening of the US position came as Iran's supreme leader ruled out negotiations with Washington "at any level." This appeared to nix remaining hopes for a dramatic meeting between Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the United Nations next week. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One over California, Trump said he too had cooled on what had always seemed to be a diplomatic longshot. "I never rule anything out, but I prefer not meeting him," Trump said. 'It's not possible' Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for Saturday's oil installation attacks, which halved output from the petro-state, a close ally of Washington. But a senior US administration official cast doubt on that claim, saying that while the Huthis said they used 10 drones, one Saudi oil facility was hit "at least 17 times," and another twice by "precision-guided munitions." Additionally, neither the type of drone "nor the cruise missiles employed in the attack can reach the facilities from Yemen. It's not possible," the official said. The Huthis are at war with Saudi-backed forces in Yemen, turning the impoverished nation into a proxy battlefield for bitter regional rivals Tehran and Riyadh. The increasingly complex conflict dovetails with the Trump administration's attempt to curb Iranian power through a "maximum pressure" campaign of crippling economic sanctions. Trump began that campaign after unilaterally pulling out of a 2015 international deal meant to reward Iran for allowing restrictions on its nuclear industry. He says that Tehran is secretly cheating and trying to build nuclear weapons and must be stopped. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Washington's real goal was to bring his country to its knees. "The policy of 'maximum pressure' against the Iranian nation is worthless and all Islamic Republic of Iran officials unanimously believe there will be no negotiations with the US at any level," he said in a televised address. Khamenei also said that as long as sanctions are in place, direct talks are impossible, including a meeting at the UN. 'Support for war?' Whether the new stage of the long-running US-Iranian standoff leads to conflict is the big unknown. Saudi Arabia, which has bought huge quantities of US weaponry, is considered a strategic ally in the region, second to Israel, another bitter foe of Iran. Trump called off a retaliatory US missile attack on Iran in June after the Iranians shot down a spy drone. He said he did not want to kill what generals told him could be up to 150 people. Trump's administration is considering responses to the latest attack including a cyber attack or a physical strike on Iranian oil infrastructure or its Revolutionary Guards, NBC News reported, citing unnamed US officials. Republican Lindsey Graham a vital Trump ally in Congress struck a belligerent tone Tuesday, charging that "such a sophisticated attack could not have occurred without Iran's blessing and direct involvement." "This is literally an act of war," Graham said. 'Oil market nervous' The strikes hit Abqaiq, the world's largest oil processing facility, and the Khurais oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia. Oil prices receded more than five per cent on Tuesday, reversing some of the previous day's gains as analysts said they were expecting Saudi output to recover sooner than expected.

Mike Pompeo heads to Saudi Arabia after US blames Iran

Speaking at the White House after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-asked-nsa-john-bolton-to-resign-tweets-us-president-donald-trump-248901">John Bolton's surprise exit</a> as national security adviser, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo couldn't hide a smile of satisfaction.

With the departure of Bolton, Pompeo has become the undisputed king of President Donald Trump's foreign policy -- with the exception, that is, of Trump himself.

The former soldier, lawyer and businessman has made a quick ascent in Washington since arriving as a Kansas congressman elected in the 2010 right-wing populist "Tea Party" movement.

Also read--&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/wholl-replace-john-bolton-americas-next-national-security-adviser-249389">America's next National Security Adviser: Who'll replace John Bolton?</a>

But many speculate that Pompeo will choose not to stay long in his newly powerful position, enticed by an opening to represent Kansas in the Senate next year -- perhaps with an eye on running for the top prize in the 2024 presidential election.

First tapped as CIA director before moving to the State Department last year, Pompeo is so close to Trump that the president last year said he was his only advisor with whom he has never argued.

Expectations even rose that Trump would name Pompeo to replace Bolton -- a rare dual-role as national security advisor and secretary of state last held by Henry Kissinger.

Trump on Thursday ruled out the possibility but called Pompeo "fantastic" and said, "I get along with him so well."

Yet Pompeo's power, analysts say, comes with a paradox. While Bolton, a Washington insider for over four decades, bulldozed his way to steer US foreign policy to the right on issues from Iran to Venezuela, Pompeo has risen because he is careful to follow Trump's lead.

"Pompeo is influential but it is important to be realistic about his influence -- he's influential because he does not push his agenda too much," said Tom Wright, a foreign policy scholar at the Brookings Institution.

"He knows when to give up. He is the last person standing but also he's not particularly influential on policy," he said.

"He pushes his views and then he gives up quite early on if he sense that Trump is going in another direction."

In tune with Trump

Pompeo, 55, made his name in Congress by blasting Hillary Clinton, then secretary of state, for not stopping the deadly 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi.

As the top US diplomat, Pompeo hit the ground running with assertive conservative positions, such as demanding far-reaching concessions by Iran if it wants to remove unilateral US sanctions.

But Pompeo on Tuesday instead left open the possibility that Trump would meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and said there were no preconditions.

Pompeo became Trump's fixer on North Korea, flying four times last year to the totalitarian state as the US leader sought a potentially landmark deal with Pyongyang.

Pompeo's State Department has also negotiated with the Taliban in hopes of achieving Trump's goal of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and ending the US involvement in the 18-year conflict.

"Trump wants to have this diplomatic outreach to America's rivals. It's not Pompeo's idea. It's the president having an agenda and getting rid of people who oppose this," Wright said.

Trump's pivot toward diplomacy comes as he gears up for an election campaign next year, when he hopes to be able to present concrete achievements on the foreign policy front.

Pompeo has until June 1 to decide whether to run for the seat in Kansas -- a state that has the longest streak of any state in electing Republicans to the Senate.

A Senate seat would ensure Pompeo retains a senior post in Washington regardless of the outcome of next year's election or the whims of Trump.

But for now, Pompeo is a rare Trump official whose job appears secure.

Asked in an interview last month about their relationship, Pompeo said he often voiced disagreements with Trump.

"But when he makes a decision and it's legal, it is my task to go execute that with all the energy and power that I have."

Speaking at the White House after John Bolton's surprise exit as national security adviser, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo couldn't hide a smile of satisfaction.

Speaking at the White House after John Bolton's surprise exit as national security adviser, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo couldn't hide a smile of satisfaction. With the departure of Bolton, Pompeo has become the undisputed king of President Donald Trump's foreign policy -- with the exception, that is, of Trump himself. The former soldier, lawyer and businessman has made a quick ascent in Washington since arriving as a Kansas congressman elected in the 2010 right-wing populist "Tea Party" movement. Also read-- America's next National Security Adviser: Who'll replace John Bolton? But many speculate that Pompeo will choose not to stay long in his newly powerful position, enticed by an opening to represent Kansas in the Senate next year -- perhaps with an eye on running for the top prize in the 2024 presidential election. First tapped as CIA director before moving to the State Department last year, Pompeo is so close to Trump that the president last year said he was his only advisor with whom he has never argued. Expectations even rose that Trump would name Pompeo to replace Bolton -- a rare dual-role as national security advisor and secretary of state last held by Henry Kissinger. Trump on Thursday ruled out the possibility but called Pompeo "fantastic" and said, "I get along with him so well." Yet Pompeo's power, analysts say, comes with a paradox. While Bolton, a Washington insider for over four decades, bulldozed his way to steer US foreign policy to the right on issues from Iran to Venezuela, Pompeo has risen because he is careful to follow Trump's lead. "Pompeo is influential but it is important to be realistic about his influence -- he's influential because he does not push his agenda too much," said Tom Wright, a foreign policy scholar at the Brookings Institution. "He knows when to give up. He is the last person standing but also he's not particularly influential on policy," he said. "He pushes his views and then he gives up quite early on if he sense that Trump is going in another direction." In tune with Trump Pompeo, 55, made his name in Congress by blasting Hillary Clinton, then secretary of state, for not stopping the deadly 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi. As the top US diplomat, Pompeo hit the ground running with assertive conservative positions, such as demanding far-reaching concessions by Iran if it wants to remove unilateral US sanctions. But Pompeo on Tuesday instead left open the possibility that Trump would meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and said there were no preconditions. Pompeo became Trump's fixer on North Korea, flying four times last year to the totalitarian state as the US leader sought a potentially landmark deal with Pyongyang. Pompeo's State Department has also negotiated with the Taliban in hopes of achieving Trump's goal of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and ending the US involvement in the 18-year conflict. "Trump wants to have this diplomatic outreach to America's rivals. It's not Pompeo's idea. It's the president having an agenda and getting rid of people who oppose this," Wright said. Trump's pivot toward diplomacy comes as he gears up for an election campaign next year, when he hopes to be able to present concrete achievements on the foreign policy front. Pompeo has until June 1 to decide whether to run for the seat in Kansas -- a state that has the longest streak of any state in electing Republicans to the Senate. A Senate seat would ensure Pompeo retains a senior post in Washington regardless of the outcome of next year's election or the whims of Trump. But for now, Pompeo is a rare Trump official whose job appears secure. Asked in an interview last month about their relationship, Pompeo said he often voiced disagreements with Trump. "But when he makes a decision and it's legal, it is my task to go execute that with all the energy and power that I have."

More than ever, Mike Pompeo at helm of Trump foreign policy

America's next National Security Adviser: Who'll replace John Bolton?

Several small explosions were heard in Bangkok in at least three locations on Friday and police said that two street cleaners were injured&nbsp;by what appeared to be a homemade bomb.

Thai police said they were investigating the cause of the explosions. Some explosions were heard at a government office and others near at least two other sites near central Bangkok.

Meanwhile, the Thai government confirmed a number of small "bombing incidents" in Bangkok as the city hosts a major summit, urging the public not to panic as police tighten security.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha was told of "the bombing incidents and has ordered an immediate investigation", spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said, adding "security measures have been tightened. The public is urged not to panic."

Bangkok is currently hosting a regional security meeting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-to-meet-pompeo-today-240045">foreign ministers from the Association</a> of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their counterparts from world powers including the United States, China and Russia.

A senior police officer said two street cleaners were injured by what appeared to have been a homemade bomb in the Suan Luang district.

On Thursday, Thai police said they had found two fake bombs on Thursday near the venue of the regional security meeting. The packages prompted a brief security scare but were quickly deemed harmless. It was unclear whether the meeting was the target.

Police said two men had been arrested in connection with the fake bombs.

China's top diplomat Wang Yi and US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are attending the forum along with other regional and global officials.

Several small explosions were heard in Bangkok in at least three locations on Friday and police said that two street cleaners were injured by what appeared to be a homemade bomb.

Several small explosions were heard in Bangkok in at least three locations on Friday and police said that two street cleaners were injured by what appeared to be a homemade bomb. Thai police said they were investigating the cause of the explosions. Some explosions were heard at a government office and others near at least two other sites near central Bangkok. Meanwhile, the Thai government confirmed a number of small "bombing incidents" in Bangkok as the city hosts a major summit, urging the public not to panic as police tighten security. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha was told of "the bombing incidents and has ordered an immediate investigation", spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said, adding "security measures have been tightened. The public is urged not to panic." Bangkok is currently hosting a regional security meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their counterparts from world powers including the United States, China and Russia. A senior police officer said two street cleaners were injured by what appeared to have been a homemade bomb in the Suan Luang district. On Thursday, Thai police said they had found two fake bombs on Thursday near the venue of the regional security meeting. The packages prompted a brief security scare but were quickly deemed harmless. It was unclear whether the meeting was the target. Police said two men had been arrested in connection with the fake bombs. China's top diplomat Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are attending the forum along with other regional and global officials.

Small explosions in Bangkok as city hosts ASEAN foreign ministers' meet

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">launched two other missiles</a> intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches.

The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-missile-tests-are-warning-to-south-korea-238647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation."

He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue.

Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security.

North Korea had test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The White House, the Pentagon and the US State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea.

Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks.

North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim.

A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field.

The February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen."

Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon."

On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long".

Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week.

Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri.

"We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said.

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches. The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches. Watch Video: Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation." He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue. Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security. North Korea had test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The White House, the Pentagon and the US State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks. North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim. A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field. The February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen." Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon." On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long". Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week. Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri. "We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said.

Ahead of South Korea, US military drill, North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani agreed that it was time to "accelerate efforts" to end the war in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Thursday. Pompeo and Ghani spoke by phone on Wednesday, the State Department said. Pompeo assured Ghani that the United States remains committed to a conditions-based drawdown of troops, according to the State Department. Violence flared in Kabul on Thursday, with two explosions taking place moments after a bus carrying government employees was hit by a blast, killing five people.

Pompeo, Ghani agree to 'accelerate efforts' to end war in Afghanistan: State Department

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-may-have-downed-two-iranian-drones-last-week-general-238041">tensions between the two countries</a> over US sanctions on the &nbsp;Gulf nation.

Pompeo explained in an interview with Bloomberg he would willingly appear on Iranian television to explain US reasoning behind the sanctions.

"I would welcome the chance to speak directly to the Iranian people... about what it is their leadership has done and how it has harmed Iran," he said.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since President Donald Trump pulled the US out of a deal with Iran last year that was aimed at curbing its nuclear program, and imposed punishing sanctions.

The US has said it brought down one and possibly two Iranian drones last week, and has blamed Iran for a series of mysterious attacks on tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters.

Tehran shot down an unmanned US aircraft in June, after which Trump announced that he had called off retaliatory airstrikes at the last minute because the resulting death toll would have been too high.

Iran's top diplomat renewed accusations during a visit to the United Nations last week that the US was using the sanctions to wage "economic terrorism."

Iranians are "subjected to the most brutal form of 'economic terrorism' -- deliberately targeting innocent civilians to achieve illegitimate political objectives," said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Pompeo brushed the accusations aside Thursday, saying Zarif was no more in charge of the Iranian government than "the man in the moon."

"At the end of the day, this is driven by the ayatollah," said Pompeo.

Watch:&nbsp;US should provide evidence, says Iran Ministry

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-ministry-us-should-provide-evidence-238295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said the US goal is to "create as much stability in the Middle East as we could."

"So we broke out of the deal, we stopped giving them money, we put pressure on the Iranian regime, and we're forcing them to make tough decisions about how they're going to behave," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

"We want change in behaviour from the Iranian leadership so that the Iranian people can ultimately get what it is they deserve."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the Gulf nation.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the Gulf nation. Pompeo explained in an interview with Bloomberg he would willingly appear on Iranian television to explain US reasoning behind the sanctions. "I would welcome the chance to speak directly to the Iranian people... about what it is their leadership has done and how it has harmed Iran," he said. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since President Donald Trump pulled the US out of a deal with Iran last year that was aimed at curbing its nuclear program, and imposed punishing sanctions. The US has said it brought down one and possibly two Iranian drones last week, and has blamed Iran for a series of mysterious attacks on tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters. Tehran shot down an unmanned US aircraft in June, after which Trump announced that he had called off retaliatory airstrikes at the last minute because the resulting death toll would have been too high. Iran's top diplomat renewed accusations during a visit to the United Nations last week that the US was using the sanctions to wage "economic terrorism." Iranians are "subjected to the most brutal form of 'economic terrorism' -- deliberately targeting innocent civilians to achieve illegitimate political objectives," said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Pompeo brushed the accusations aside Thursday, saying Zarif was no more in charge of the Iranian government than "the man in the moon." "At the end of the day, this is driven by the ayatollah," said Pompeo. Watch: US should provide evidence, says Iran Ministry He said the US goal is to "create as much stability in the Middle East as we could." "So we broke out of the deal, we stopped giving them money, we put pressure on the Iranian regime, and we're forcing them to make tough decisions about how they're going to behave," Pompeo said. "We want change in behaviour from the Iranian leadership so that the Iranian people can ultimately get what it is they deserve."

Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo

China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-confident-china-trade-talks-will-not-be-hurt-over-iran-oil-sanctions-214566">oil importer on a blacklist</a>.

Pompeo said Monday that the US was imposing sanctions on Zhuhai Zhenrong and its chief executive Li Youmin as part of a "maximum pressure campaign" for trading in Iranian crude oil.

"They violated US law by accepting crude oil," he said.

But Beijing said Tuesday it has "consistently and resolutely opposed unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States," slamming the sanctions as "illegal".

"The Chinese side has expressed firm opposition and strong condemnation of the relevant US authorities that have sanctioned Chinese enterprises," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing.

"The Chinese side has repeatedly stressed that energy cooperation between Iran and the international community, which includes China, falls within the framework of international law and is reasonable and legitimate, and must be respected and protected."

Pompeo's announcement over the sanctions was the latest move by Washington to ratchet up economic pressure on Tehran over its alleged military activities in the Middle East and its nuclear programme by taking aim at business partners.

But Hua said the US was disregarding "the legitimate rights and interests of all parties".

Between them, Zhuhai Zhenrong and Chinese state refiner Sinopec are responsible for nearly all the Iranian crude that China imports.

"We strongly urge the US to immediately correct wrong practices and stop illegal sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals," said Hua.&nbsp;

"China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises and individuals."

China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading oil importer on a blacklist.

China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading oil importer on a blacklist. Pompeo said Monday that the US was imposing sanctions on Zhuhai Zhenrong and its chief executive Li Youmin as part of a "maximum pressure campaign" for trading in Iranian crude oil. "They violated US law by accepting crude oil," he said. But Beijing said Tuesday it has "consistently and resolutely opposed unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States," slamming the sanctions as "illegal". "The Chinese side has expressed firm opposition and strong condemnation of the relevant US authorities that have sanctioned Chinese enterprises," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing. "The Chinese side has repeatedly stressed that energy cooperation between Iran and the international community, which includes China, falls within the framework of international law and is reasonable and legitimate, and must be respected and protected." Pompeo's announcement over the sanctions was the latest move by Washington to ratchet up economic pressure on Tehran over its alleged military activities in the Middle East and its nuclear programme by taking aim at business partners. But Hua said the US was disregarding "the legitimate rights and interests of all parties". Between them, Zhuhai Zhenrong and Chinese state refiner Sinopec are responsible for nearly all the Iranian crude that China imports. "We strongly urge the US to immediately correct wrong practices and stop illegal sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals," said Hua. "China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises and individuals."

US sanctions against oil companies illegal: China

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that the United States needed Iran to "come to the table" for negotiations, amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran in the Gulf that have impacted global oil markets. Pompeo, speaking at a counter-terrorism summit in Buenos Aires, also repeated an offer from U.S. President Donald Trump for talks without preconditions.

Pompeo says Iran needs to 'come to the table' for talks as tensions rise

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday he hoped both <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-president-donald-trump-and-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-have-to-find-real-common-ground-233182&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjC0JSz_7jjAhWDAYgKHUywD3AQFjAGegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ds6wbSgjNbNWme2mwF0XN">North Korea and the United States</a> could "be a little more creative" when the two sides restart talks aimed at ending Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme.

Speaking in a radio interview on "The Sean Hannity Show," Pompeo did not say when the negotiations would resume. At the end of June he had said it would likely happen "sometime in July ... probably in the next two or three weeks."

President Donald Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month. During the meeting, Trump became the first sitting US president to cross into North Korea, and he said the pair agreed to restart working-level talks.

Trump and Kim have met three times and held two summits over the nuclear issue.

The talks in Hanoi in February collapsed without agreement, as the United States insisted North Korea completely denuclearize and North Korea pushed for relief from sanctions.

"I hope the North Koreans will come to the table with ideas that they didn't have the first time," Pompeo said in Monday's radio interview. "We hope we can be a little more creative too."

However, Pompeo added: "The president's mission hasn't changed: to fully and finally denuclearize North Korea in a way that we can verify. That's the mission set for these negotiations."

While Trump's latest meeting with Kim demonstrated a rapport between the two, policy analysts say the two sides appear no closer to narrowing their differences. They have yet even to agree a common definition of denuclearisation, which North Korea has taken to include the US. nuclear umbrella protecting Japan and South Korea.

Washington has demanded that Pyongyang give up its nuclear weapons unilaterally, and US officials have said US policy continues to be to maintain sanctions on North Korea until it gives up its nuclear weapons.

Ahead of February's failed summit in Hanoi, US officials had raised the possibility that while sanctions would remain, they might be willing to take interim steps such as boosting humanitarian aid or opening liaison offices.

But at the summit they rejected North Korea's offer to dismantle its reactor complex at Yongbyon in exchange for wide-ranging sanctions relief, and the steps Washington has so far offered have fallen far short of North Korean expectations.

Pompeo's latest remarks come after Chinese President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-xi-g20-meeting-us-china-resume-talks-to-resolve-trade-war-234508&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWwdLL_7jjAhVEQd4KHa34A6EQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Kbel3-LoEHEp2PyW1q8vW">Xi Jinping</a> urged Trump to show flexibility in dealing with Pyongyang and to ease sanctions on the country "in due course."

China, North Korea's neighbour and main ally, signed up for UN sanctions after the North Koreans performed repeated nuclear and missile tests, but has suggested they could be reduced in return for denuclearisation steps.

South Korean officials have expressed uncertainty that the talks between the United States and North Korea can take place this month.

On Sunday, South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted unnamed diplomatic sources as saying that the United States had proposed to North Korea that working-level talks be held this week and was awaiting a response.

North Korea has frozen missile and nuclear bomb testing since 2017, but US officials believe Pyongyang has continued to expand its arsenal by producing bomb fuel and missiles.

The State Department said last week it would hope to see a complete freeze in the North Korean nuclear programme as the start of a process of denuclearisation.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday he hoped both North Korea and the United States could "be a little more creative" when the two sides restart talks aimed at ending Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday he hoped both North Korea and the United States could "be a little more creative" when the two sides restart talks aimed at ending Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme. Speaking in a radio interview on "The Sean Hannity Show," Pompeo did not say when the negotiations would resume. At the end of June he had said it would likely happen "sometime in July ... probably in the next two or three weeks." President Donald Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month. During the meeting, Trump became the first sitting US president to cross into North Korea, and he said the pair agreed to restart working-level talks. Trump and Kim have met three times and held two summits over the nuclear issue. The talks in Hanoi in February collapsed without agreement, as the United States insisted North Korea completely denuclearize and North Korea pushed for relief from sanctions. "I hope the North Koreans will come to the table with ideas that they didn't have the first time," Pompeo said in Monday's radio interview. "We hope we can be a little more creative too." However, Pompeo added: "The president's mission hasn't changed: to fully and finally denuclearize North Korea in a way that we can verify. That's the mission set for these negotiations." While Trump's latest meeting with Kim demonstrated a rapport between the two, policy analysts say the two sides appear no closer to narrowing their differences. They have yet even to agree a common definition of denuclearisation, which North Korea has taken to include the US. nuclear umbrella protecting Japan and South Korea. Washington has demanded that Pyongyang give up its nuclear weapons unilaterally, and US officials have said US policy continues to be to maintain sanctions on North Korea until it gives up its nuclear weapons. Ahead of February's failed summit in Hanoi, US officials had raised the possibility that while sanctions would remain, they might be willing to take interim steps such as boosting humanitarian aid or opening liaison offices. But at the summit they rejected North Korea's offer to dismantle its reactor complex at Yongbyon in exchange for wide-ranging sanctions relief, and the steps Washington has so far offered have fallen far short of North Korean expectations. Pompeo's latest remarks come after Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Trump to show flexibility in dealing with Pyongyang and to ease sanctions on the country "in due course." China, North Korea's neighbour and main ally, signed up for UN sanctions after the North Koreans performed repeated nuclear and missile tests, but has suggested they could be reduced in return for denuclearisation steps. South Korean officials have expressed uncertainty that the talks between the United States and North Korea can take place this month. On Sunday, South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted unnamed diplomatic sources as saying that the United States had proposed to North Korea that working-level talks be held this week and was awaiting a response. North Korea has frozen missile and nuclear bomb testing since 2017, but US officials believe Pyongyang has continued to expand its arsenal by producing bomb fuel and missiles. The State Department said last week it would hope to see a complete freeze in the North Korean nuclear programme as the start of a process of denuclearisation.

Mike Pompeo hopes US, North Korea can be 'more creative' in nuclear talks

The US Treasury placed two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-sees-united-states-war-on-iran-as-unlikely-report-230823">Hezbollah members of Lebanon's</a> parliament on its sanctions blacklist on Tuesday - the first time Washington has taken aim at the Iran-allied group's elected politicians.

Stepping up its effort to build global pressure on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-to-ban-hezbollah-under-anti-terror-laws-199666">powerful Lebanese Shiite movement</a>, the Treasury named MPs Amin Sherri and Muhammad Hasan Raad to a terror-related blacklist, saying that Hezbollah uses its parliamentary power to advance violent activities.

Also placed on the blacklist was Wafiq Safa, a top Hezbollah official close to the movement's Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US targeted three officials "who leverage their positions to facilitate Hezbollah and the Iranian regime's malign efforts to undermine Lebanese sovereignty."

"Any distinction between Hezbollah's political and military wings is artificial," he said.

"We call on our allies and partners to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization."

Pompeo tied the action to the US "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran and its "proxies" in the Middle East, including Hezbollah, which Washington has officially designated a "terrorist group."

However, Washington stopped short of imposing similar sanctions on &nbsp;Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said were forthcoming in late June.

A senior administration official who insisted on anonymity Tuesday would not confirm any plan to blacklist Zarif, who was crucial in achieving the landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

"We are obviously exploring... various avenues for additional sanctions on Tehran. Obviously Foreign Minister Zarif is a figure of key interest," she said.

It is the first time the US Treasury has placed Hezbollah lawmakers on its blacklist, which forbids US individuals and businesses with a US branch -- including leading international banks -&nbsp;from doing business with those sanctioned.

With the electoral backing of many Lebanese Shiites, Hezbollah won 13 seats out of 128 in the May 6, 2018 general election.

It joined a coalition government formed on January 31, gaining control of three ministries.

But Washington says it will not regard the group's political and military activities as separate from one another.

"It is time, we believe, for other nations around the world to recognize that there is no distinction between Hezbollah's political and military wing," the senior US administration official said.

"To any member of Hezbollah considering running for office, know that you will not be able to hide beneath the cover of political office," she said.

Raad, 64, is the head of the parliamentary bloc of the party and an MP since 1992.

Sherri, 62, is a 17-year Hezbollah veteran of parliament representing Beirut.

Safa, the Treasury said, maintains the group's ties to financiers and allegedly helps arrange the smuggling of weapons and drugs.

The newest sanctions brought to 50 the number of Hezbollah individuals and entities blacklisted by the Treasury since 2017.

They have included bankers and businessmen that Washington says are deeply involved in Hezbollah business activities around the world, allegedly including narcotics trafficking and gun-running.

The sanctions have aimed particularly at companies and individuals who help the group move money throughout the Middle East.

Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad told Lebanon's MTV news channel that the new sanctions Tuesday were "a humiliation for the Lebanese people," and called on parliament and the government to issue a formal condemnation.

Lebanese Finance Minister Ali Hasan Khalil meanwhile tweeted that the US sanctions were "unjustified" and "concern all of the Lebanese even if they are directed at Hezbollah."

Pompeo said the US pressure on Iran and Hezbollah was having an effect on the Lebanese group's operations.

"As a result, this designated terrorist organization has been forced to take unprecedented austerity measures. For example, in March 2019, for the first time ever, Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah made a public appeal for financial support."

The US Treasury placed two Hezbollah members of Lebanon's parliament on its sanctions blacklist on Tuesday - the first time Washington has taken aim at the Iran-allied group's elected politicians.

The US Treasury placed two Hezbollah members of Lebanon's parliament on its sanctions blacklist on Tuesday - the first time Washington has taken aim at the Iran-allied group's elected politicians. Stepping up its effort to build global pressure on the powerful Lebanese Shiite movement, the Treasury named MPs Amin Sherri and Muhammad Hasan Raad to a terror-related blacklist, saying that Hezbollah uses its parliamentary power to advance violent activities. Also placed on the blacklist was Wafiq Safa, a top Hezbollah official close to the movement's Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US targeted three officials "who leverage their positions to facilitate Hezbollah and the Iranian regime's malign efforts to undermine Lebanese sovereignty." "Any distinction between Hezbollah's political and military wings is artificial," he said. "We call on our allies and partners to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization." Pompeo tied the action to the US "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran and its "proxies" in the Middle East, including Hezbollah, which Washington has officially designated a "terrorist group." However, Washington stopped short of imposing similar sanctions on Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said were forthcoming in late June. A senior administration official who insisted on anonymity Tuesday would not confirm any plan to blacklist Zarif, who was crucial in achieving the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. "We are obviously exploring... various avenues for additional sanctions on Tehran. Obviously Foreign Minister Zarif is a figure of key interest," she said. It is the first time the US Treasury has placed Hezbollah lawmakers on its blacklist, which forbids US individuals and businesses with a US branch -- including leading international banks - from doing business with those sanctioned. With the electoral backing of many Lebanese Shiites, Hezbollah won 13 seats out of 128 in the May 6, 2018 general election. It joined a coalition government formed on January 31, gaining control of three ministries. But Washington says it will not regard the group's political and military activities as separate from one another. "It is time, we believe, for other nations around the world to recognize that there is no distinction between Hezbollah's political and military wing," the senior US administration official said. "To any member of Hezbollah considering running for office, know that you will not be able to hide beneath the cover of political office," she said. Raad, 64, is the head of the parliamentary bloc of the party and an MP since 1992. Sherri, 62, is a 17-year Hezbollah veteran of parliament representing Beirut. Safa, the Treasury said, maintains the group's ties to financiers and allegedly helps arrange the smuggling of weapons and drugs. The newest sanctions brought to 50 the number of Hezbollah individuals and entities blacklisted by the Treasury since 2017. They have included bankers and businessmen that Washington says are deeply involved in Hezbollah business activities around the world, allegedly including narcotics trafficking and gun-running. The sanctions have aimed particularly at companies and individuals who help the group move money throughout the Middle East. Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad told Lebanon's MTV news channel that the new sanctions Tuesday were "a humiliation for the Lebanese people," and called on parliament and the government to issue a formal condemnation. Lebanese Finance Minister Ali Hasan Khalil meanwhile tweeted that the US sanctions were "unjustified" and "concern all of the Lebanese even if they are directed at Hezbollah." Pompeo said the US pressure on Iran and Hezbollah was having an effect on the Lebanese group's operations. "As a result, this designated terrorist organization has been forced to take unprecedented austerity measures. For example, in March 2019, for the first time ever, Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah made a public appeal for financial support."

In a first, US puts two Hezbollah lawmakers on sanctions blacklist

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-protests-erupt-in-hong-kong-on-china-handover-anniversary-231871">Fresh protests erupt in Hong Kong on China handover anniversary</a>

Police in Hong Kong used pepper spray and batons against anti-government protesters who had seized highways early Monday ahead of what is expected to be a huge pro-democracy rally on the anniversary of the city's handover to China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remain-engaged-in-north-korea-but-firm-on-sanctions-ahead-of-denuclearisation-pompeo-231861">Remain engaged in North Korea but firm on sanctions ahead of denuclearisation: Pompeo</a>

US President Trump became the first sitting US president to set foot in North Korea on Sunday when he met its leader, Kim Jong Un, in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas and agreed to resume stalled nuclear talks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-dhoni-jadhav-booed-by-india-supporters-as-rohit-reflects-on-poor-show-against-england-231872">World Cup 2019: Dhoni, Jadhav booed by India supporters as Rohit reflects on poor show against England</a>

Rohit Sharma admitted there were "lessons" to be learnt from England's bowlers after India suffered their first defeat of this World Cup against the hosts on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twin-engine-passenger-plane-crashes-in-texas-10-dead-officials-231860">Twin-engine passenger plane crashes in Texas, 10 dead</a>

A small twin-engine passenger plane crashed in Texas in the United States on Sunday, killing 10 people, officials said.

"The Dallas County Medical Examiner has confirmed 10 fatalities and no survivors," a spokeswoman for the town of Addison, Texas told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-seven-dead-in-sudans-massive-protest-over-civilian-rule-231869">At least seven dead in Sudan's massive protest over civilian rule</a>

Around seven people were killed on Sunday as tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Khartoum demanding the ruling military hand over to civilians.

Fresh protests erupt in Hong Kong on China handover anniversary Police in Hong Kong used pepper spray and batons against anti-government protesters who had seized highways early Monday ahead of what is expected to be a huge pro-democracy rally on the anniversary of the city's handover to China.

Fresh protests erupt in Hong Kong on China handover anniversary Police in Hong Kong used pepper spray and batons against anti-government protesters who had seized highways early Monday ahead of what is expected to be a huge pro-democracy rally on the anniversary of the city's handover to China. Remain engaged in North Korea but firm on sanctions ahead of denuclearisation: Pompeo US President Trump became the first sitting US president to set foot in North Korea on Sunday when he met its leader, Kim Jong Un, in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas and agreed to resume stalled nuclear talks. World Cup 2019: Dhoni, Jadhav booed by India supporters as Rohit reflects on poor show against England Rohit Sharma admitted there were "lessons" to be learnt from England's bowlers after India suffered their first defeat of this World Cup against the hosts on Sunday. Twin-engine passenger plane crashes in Texas, 10 dead A small twin-engine passenger plane crashed in Texas in the United States on Sunday, killing 10 people, officials said. "The Dallas County Medical Examiner has confirmed 10 fatalities and no survivors," a spokeswoman for the town of Addison, Texas told AFP. At least seven dead in Sudan's massive protest over civilian rule Around seven people were killed on Sunday as tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Khartoum demanding the ruling military hand over to civilians.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US President Donald Trump is known for his slapstick humour and off-hand comments. On Sunday, the US president went on to launch another remark, this time involving&nbsp;his daughter Ivanka Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He referred to Ivanka and Pompeo as a "beautiful couple" while calling them on stage.&nbsp;

Trump called both of them "beauty and the beast" while speaking at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, earlier today.

In a video shared by news agency ANI, Ivanka and Pompeo could be seen cracking up in laughter while approaching the stage.&nbsp;

Trump, who headed to South Korea after attending the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un today at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/demilitarised-zone-the-worlds-last-cold-war-frontier-231677">Demilitarized Zone (DMZ</a>) between the two Korean nations.

He crossed over to North Korea, becoming the first US president to do so. Trump even agreed to resume stalled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wonderful-ties-with-trump-enable-us-to-overcome-barriers-kim-jong-un-231680">nuclear talks with North Korea</a>.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> South Korea: US President Donald Trump called his daughter Ivanka Trump &amp; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on stage, referring to them as "A beautiful couple, beauty and the beast" at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/l0aWiNxLBL">pic.twitter.com/l0aWiNxLBL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1145299560098652160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The meeting, initiated by a spur-of-the-moment tweet by Trump that Kim said took him by surprise, once again displayed the rapport between the two.&nbsp;

"To cross that line was a great honour," Trump said, referring to his brief incursion into the North Korean side of the DMZ. "It's a great day for the world."

"I was surprised to see you expressed an intent to meet," Kim told Trump, referring to Trump's offer for a meeting in a tweet on Saturday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is known for his slapstick humour and off-hand comments. On Sunday, the US president went on to launch another remark, this time involving his daughter Ivanka Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

US President Donald Trump is known for his slapstick humour and off-hand comments. On Sunday, the US president went on to launch another remark, this time involving his daughter Ivanka Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. He referred to Ivanka and Pompeo as a "beautiful couple" while calling them on stage. Trump called both of them "beauty and the beast" while speaking at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, earlier today. In a video shared by news agency ANI, Ivanka and Pompeo could be seen cracking up in laughter while approaching the stage. Trump, who headed to South Korea after attending the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un today at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Korean nations. He crossed over to North Korea, becoming the first US president to do so. Trump even agreed to resume stalled nuclear talks with North Korea. #WATCH South Korea: US President Donald Trump called his daughter Ivanka Trump & Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on stage, referring to them as "A beautiful couple, beauty and the beast" at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/l0aWiNxLBL — ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2019 × The meeting, initiated by a spur-of-the-moment tweet by Trump that Kim said took him by surprise, once again displayed the rapport between the two. "To cross that line was a great honour," Trump said, referring to his brief incursion into the North Korean side of the DMZ. "It's a great day for the world." "I was surprised to see you expressed an intent to meet," Kim told Trump, referring to Trump's offer for a meeting in a tweet on Saturday. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump tries off-hand humour again, calls daughter Ivanka and Pompeo 'beautiful couple'

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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1143560395279478785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday he hopes for a peace deal with the Taliban "before September 1", speaking as he made his first visit to Kabul since Washington launched talks with the insurgents last year.

Pompeo met with President Ashraf Ghani as well as General Scott Miller, who leads NATO's Afghanistan mission and the US war effort in the country, as well as other high-level Afghan officials during the unannounced one-day visit to the Afghan capital.

He said peace was Washington's "highest priority". Last September the US began a fresh push to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to end America's longest war. "I hope we have a peace deal before September 1, that's certainly our mission set," Pompeo said during the visit.

US officials have previously said they are hoping for a deal before the upcoming Afghan presidential elections, which have already been delayed twice and are now set for September.

The next round of talks between the Taliban and the US are set to begin on June 29 in Doha.

The talks have centred on four issues: counter-terrorism, the foreign troop presence, an intra-Afghan dialogue, and a permanent ceasefire.

The Taliban have insisted that foreign troops must leave, and refused to speak with the Afghan government in Kabul, whom they deem "puppets".

Pompeo said the US is nearly ready to conclude a "draft text" outlining Taliban promises never to allow Afghanistan to be used as a base for international terrorism again.

"In light of this progress we've begun discussions with the Taliban regarding foreign military presence which today remains conditions-based," he said.

"And while we've made clear to the Taliban that we're prepared to remove our forces, I want to be clear we've not yet agreed on a timeline to do so." Huge swathes of Afghan society worry that if the US does make a deal with the Taliban, the militant Islamists would try to seize power and undo advances in women's rights, media freedoms, and legal protections.

Pompeo's visit also came amid an escalating regional standoff with neighbouring Iran, as Washington announced sanctions against supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump warned of "overwhelming" retaliation to any attack.

Analysts have warned war with Tehran could have a devastating impact on Washington's efforts to secure a peace deal in Afghanistan.

Iran and Afghanistan share a 900 kilometre (600 mile) border and have long had a complex relationship.

Iran nearly went to war with the Sunni Taliban regime in 1998, and quietly backed the US invasion of 2001.

But Tehran has more recently sought to build relations with the Taliban, mindful of preserving interests in the neighbouring country.

US officials have accused Iran of providing material support, including anti-tank guided missiles and other weaponry, to the Taliban since at least 2007.

"Maybe this fact is too obvious to mention in the news coverage, but the United States' efforts to negotiate an exit from the Afghan war would explode into a thousand pieces in the event of conflict with Iran," Graeme Smith, a Kabul-based consultant with the International Crisis Group, tweeted recently.

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a ruthless former warlord, told AFP on the sidelines of a conference in Pakistan on Saturday that "of course" a US war with Iran would affect the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday he hopes for a peace deal with the Taliban "before September 1", speaking as he made his first visit to Kabul since Washington launched talks with the insurgents last year.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday he hopes for a peace deal with the Taliban "before September 1", speaking as he made his first visit to Kabul since Washington launched talks with the insurgents last year. Pompeo met with President Ashraf Ghani as well as General Scott Miller, who leads NATO's Afghanistan mission and the US war effort in the country, as well as other high-level Afghan officials during the unannounced one-day visit to the Afghan capital. He said peace was Washington's "highest priority". Last September the US began a fresh push to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to end America's longest war. "I hope we have a peace deal before September 1, that's certainly our mission set," Pompeo said during the visit. US officials have previously said they are hoping for a deal before the upcoming Afghan presidential elections, which have already been delayed twice and are now set for September. The next round of talks between the Taliban and the US are set to begin on June 29 in Doha. The talks have centred on four issues: counter-terrorism, the foreign troop presence, an intra-Afghan dialogue, and a permanent ceasefire. The Taliban have insisted that foreign troops must leave, and refused to speak with the Afghan government in Kabul, whom they deem "puppets". Pompeo said the US is nearly ready to conclude a "draft text" outlining Taliban promises never to allow Afghanistan to be used as a base for international terrorism again. "In light of this progress we've begun discussions with the Taliban regarding foreign military presence which today remains conditions-based," he said. "And while we've made clear to the Taliban that we're prepared to remove our forces, I want to be clear we've not yet agreed on a timeline to do so." Huge swathes of Afghan society worry that if the US does make a deal with the Taliban, the militant Islamists would try to seize power and undo advances in women's rights, media freedoms, and legal protections. Pompeo's visit also came amid an escalating regional standoff with neighbouring Iran, as Washington announced sanctions against supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump warned of "overwhelming" retaliation to any attack. Analysts have warned war with Tehran could have a devastating impact on Washington's efforts to secure a peace deal in Afghanistan. Iran and Afghanistan share a 900 kilometre (600 mile) border and have long had a complex relationship. Iran nearly went to war with the Sunni Taliban regime in 1998, and quietly backed the US invasion of 2001. But Tehran has more recently sought to build relations with the Taliban, mindful of preserving interests in the neighbouring country. US officials have accused Iran of providing material support, including anti-tank guided missiles and other weaponry, to the Taliban since at least 2007. "Maybe this fact is too obvious to mention in the news coverage, but the United States' efforts to negotiate an exit from the Afghan war would explode into a thousand pieces in the event of conflict with Iran," Graeme Smith, a Kabul-based consultant with the International Crisis Group, tweeted recently. Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a ruthless former warlord, told AFP on the sidelines of a conference in Pakistan on Saturday that "of course" a US war with Iran would affect the Afghan peace process.

Pompeo hopes for Afghan peace deal 'before September 1'

Iran and the current situation in Strait of Hormuz will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-oil-imports-trade-top-agenda-during-pompeos-india-visit-229443">on agenda</a> when US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-to-seek-stronger-strategic-ties-with-india-despite-trade-tensions-229376">Mike Pompeo visits India next week</a>.

While the US has appreciated the steps India has taken to reduce Iranian oil import, it is also providing an exception to New Delhi-backed Chabahar project that has been a key connectivity project of India.

The import of oil from Iran has been one of the key contentions between New Delhi and Washington after American waivers ended on sanctions imposed by Washington but the current standoff between Iran and US is something that has been a cause of worry for New Delhi.&nbsp;

Last week, reports emerged that the US President had planned to attack Iran after Tehran shot down an American drone. This has caused considerable tension in Strait of Hormuz, a vital area connecting Persian Gulf and sea of Oman through which 20 per cent of global crude oil and a third of liquefied natural gas passes.

Watch: Pompeo to visit India next week to seek India's cooperation on Iran

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pompeo-to-visit-india-next-week-to-seek-indias-cooperation-on-iran-229393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Energy interests

Meanwhile, New Delhi is keeping its interest secure. Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called Saudi oil minister Khalid Al Falih conveying India's concern on rising crude oil prices in backdrop of the developments in the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;

Pradhan, in a tweet, said that he "reiterated the sensitivity of Indian consumers to prevailing crude oil price volatility," adding, New Delhi has sought an active role from Riyadh which is part of oil cartel OPEC in keeping "oil prices at a reasonable level".

Aviation

Impacts will also be seen on the aviation front with Indian airlines re-routing the flights in that area. Civil aviation regulator DGCA or Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Saturday announced that Indian carriers will avoid "the affected part of Iranian Airspace" to ensure safe travel for the passengers.&nbsp;

This comes after the American civil aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration or FAA banned American flights from using the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and sea of Oman area.

Shipping&nbsp;

Last week, the Indian Navy launched Operation Sankalp in the Persian Gulf/Sea of Oman as a measure to re-assure Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region.&nbsp;

The Navy deployed INS Chennai and INS Sunayna in the area to undertake Maritime Security operations. Aerial surveillance has also being undertaken by India and the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram - is also keeping a close watch on the movement of ships in the Gulf.&nbsp;

The Navy in a release said it, "remains committed to ensuring the safety of Indian maritime trade and merchant vessels operating in the region and contributing towards maintaining a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean Region."

DG Shipping had issued two advisories, one on June 13 and another on June 16 to all Indian Flagged Vessels advising them to undertake appropriate protection measures.

Iran and the current situation in Strait of Hormuz will be on agenda when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visits India next week. While the US has appreciated the steps India has taken to reduce Iranian oil import, it is also providing an exception to New Delhi-backed Chabahar project that has been a key connectivity project of India.

Iran and the current situation in Strait of Hormuz will be on agenda when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visits India next week. While the US has appreciated the steps India has taken to reduce Iranian oil import, it is also providing an exception to New Delhi-backed Chabahar project that has been a key connectivity project of India. The import of oil from Iran has been one of the key contentions between New Delhi and Washington after American waivers ended on sanctions imposed by Washington but the current standoff between Iran and US is something that has been a cause of worry for New Delhi. Last week, reports emerged that the US President had planned to attack Iran after Tehran shot down an American drone. This has caused considerable tension in Strait of Hormuz, a vital area connecting Persian Gulf and sea of Oman through which 20 per cent of global crude oil and a third of liquefied natural gas passes. Watch: Pompeo to visit India next week to seek India's cooperation on Iran Energy interests Meanwhile, New Delhi is keeping its interest secure. Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called Saudi oil minister Khalid Al Falih conveying India's concern on rising crude oil prices in backdrop of the developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Pradhan, in a tweet, said that he "reiterated the sensitivity of Indian consumers to prevailing crude oil price volatility," adding, New Delhi has sought an active role from Riyadh which is part of oil cartel OPEC in keeping "oil prices at a reasonable level". Aviation Impacts will also be seen on the aviation front with Indian airlines re-routing the flights in that area. Civil aviation regulator DGCA or Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Saturday announced that Indian carriers will avoid "the affected part of Iranian Airspace" to ensure safe travel for the passengers. This comes after the American civil aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration or FAA banned American flights from using the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and sea of Oman area. Shipping Last week, the Indian Navy launched Operation Sankalp in the Persian Gulf/Sea of Oman as a measure to re-assure Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region. The Navy deployed INS Chennai and INS Sunayna in the area to undertake Maritime Security operations. Aerial surveillance has also being undertaken by India and the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram - is also keeping a close watch on the movement of ships in the Gulf. The Navy in a release said it, "remains committed to ensuring the safety of Indian maritime trade and merchant vessels operating in the region and contributing towards maintaining a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean Region." DG Shipping had issued two advisories, one on June 13 and another on June 16 to all Indian Flagged Vessels advising them to undertake appropriate protection measures.

Iran in focus during Pompeo's visit to India; New Delhi takes measures to protect interest

US President Donald Trump will discuss the mass protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chief-executive-carrie-lam-apologises-for-conflicts-and-disputes-in-hong-kong-227674">Hong Kong with his Chinese counterpart Xi </a>Jinping at the upcoming G20 summit, secretary of state Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

"I think we'll get the opportunity to see President Xi in just a couple weeks now at the G20 summit. I'm sure this will be among the issues that they discuss," Pompeo said in an interview with "Fox News Sunday."

"We see what's happening, what's unfolding in Hong Kong. We are watching the people of Hong Kong speak about the things they value," Pompeo added.

Trump said last week <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-clog-streets-in-hong-kong-demand-carrie-lams-resignation-227593">he hoped the protesters</a> -- who have taken to the streets to denounce a controversial extradition law -- would "work it out" with China, while stopping short of condemning the legislation which has now been suspended.&nbsp;

Pompeo insisted "the president has always been a vigorous defender of human rights" and said Trump's imposition of widespread tariffs on Chinese goods as part of a trade dispute showed his willingness to confront Beijing.

"For an awfully long time under Republican, Democrat presidents, we allowed China to take advantage of us on trade and in other ways. President Trump has pushed back very strongly against them."

This year's G20 summit will be held in the Japanese city of Osaka from June 28-29.

US President Donald Trump will discuss the mass protests in Hong Kong with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the upcoming G20 summit, secretary of state Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump will discuss the mass protests in Hong Kong with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the upcoming G20 summit, secretary of state Mike Pompeo said on Sunday. "I think we'll get the opportunity to see President Xi in just a couple weeks now at the G20 summit. I'm sure this will be among the issues that they discuss," Pompeo said in an interview with "Fox News Sunday." "We see what's happening, what's unfolding in Hong Kong. We are watching the people of Hong Kong speak about the things they value," Pompeo added. Trump said last week he hoped the protesters -- who have taken to the streets to denounce a controversial extradition law -- would "work it out" with China, while stopping short of condemning the legislation which has now been suspended. Pompeo insisted "the president has always been a vigorous defender of human rights" and said Trump's imposition of widespread tariffs on Chinese goods as part of a trade dispute showed his willingness to confront Beijing. "For an awfully long time under Republican, Democrat presidents, we allowed China to take advantage of us on trade and in other ways. President Trump has pushed back very strongly against them." This year's G20 summit will be held in the Japanese city of Osaka from June 28-29.

Hong Kong issue will be discussed during Trump-Xi meeting at G20: Pompeo

The United States President Donald Trump-led administration has taken a tough stand against Pakistan for its "unacceptable support" for terrorism in the region, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"Under President Trump, we have taken our defence cooperation to new heights solidifying our common vision in Indo Pacific and has taken a far tougher stand on Pakistan unacceptable support for terrorism," said Pompeo during India Ideas Summit Washington on Wednesday.

The remarks come days after Washington had announced that it has withdrawn its tax exemption programme for Pakistani diplomats.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-hai-to-mumkin-hai-says-pompeo-ahead-of-india-visit-226682">Modi 'hai to mumkin hai', says Pompeo ahead of India visit</a>

The US has already barred Pakistani diplomats working in Washington from travelling outside a 25-kilometre radius around the city without approval.

Last year, Trump suspended US $1.3 billion annual security aid which was given to Pakistan, condemning it over its inaction on the terrorism front.

Focussing on India -US ties under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pompeo asserted that New Delhi and Washington have a unique opportunity to take advantage of it "special partnership".

"When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States in 2017, President Trump and Modi shared few hugs and goodwill. PM Modi said it is in Indian interest lies in strong prosperous and successful America. In similar ways India`s development and its growing role at the international level are in the United States of America`s interest as well," he added.

Pompeo`s visit will take place as the two countries get ready for a meeting between Modi and Trump during the G-20 Summit on June 28 and 29 in Osaka, Japan.

Pompeo also said that the US is open for a dialogue to resolve trade differences with India."It`s a partnership of equals is how we see it. In my upcoming visit, we will probably discuss the GSP decision," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

The United States President Donald Trump-led administration has taken a tough stand against Pakistan for its "unacceptable support" for terrorism in the region, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The United States President Donald Trump-led administration has taken a tough stand against Pakistan for its "unacceptable support" for terrorism in the region, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "Under President Trump, we have taken our defence cooperation to new heights solidifying our common vision in Indo Pacific and has taken a far tougher stand on Pakistan unacceptable support for terrorism," said Pompeo during India Ideas Summit Washington on Wednesday. The remarks come days after Washington had announced that it has withdrawn its tax exemption programme for Pakistani diplomats. Also read: Modi 'hai to mumkin hai', says Pompeo ahead of India visit The US has already barred Pakistani diplomats working in Washington from travelling outside a 25-kilometre radius around the city without approval. Last year, Trump suspended US $1.3 billion annual security aid which was given to Pakistan, condemning it over its inaction on the terrorism front. Focussing on India -US ties under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pompeo asserted that New Delhi and Washington have a unique opportunity to take advantage of it "special partnership". "When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States in 2017, President Trump and Modi shared few hugs and goodwill. PM Modi said it is in Indian interest lies in strong prosperous and successful America. In similar ways India`s development and its growing role at the international level are in the United States of America`s interest as well," he added. Pompeo`s visit will take place as the two countries get ready for a meeting between Modi and Trump during the G-20 Summit on June 28 and 29 in Osaka, Japan. Pompeo also said that the US is open for a dialogue to resolve trade differences with India."It`s a partnership of equals is how we see it. In my upcoming visit, we will probably discuss the GSP decision," Pompeo said.

Trump took tough stand against Pak's unacceptable support for terrorism: Pompeo

Citing the popular election slogan "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-two-day-visit-to-kyrgyzstan-begins-from-thursday-will-meet-xi-putin-226559">Modi hai to mumkin hai</a>", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sought to take the bilateral relationship with India to the next level and said the Trump and Modi administrations have a "unique opportunity" to make it happen.

"As Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi said in his latest campaign, 'Modi hai to mumkin hai,' or 'Modi makes it possible', I'm looking forward to exploring what's possible between our people," Pompeo said in his major India policy speech at the India Ideas Summit of US-India Business Council on Wednesday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-sco-opportunities-challenges-for-india-226666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Very much looking forward to his trip to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-sco-summit-member-countries-say-india-has-important-role-to-play-226250">New Delhi later this month</a>, and meeting Modi, and his new counterpart, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, Pompeo listed out some of the "big ideas and big opportunities" that can take the bilateral relationship to a new level.

Giving a sneak preview of his India mission, he said he truly believes the two nations have a unique opportunity to move forward together for the good of their peoples, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world.

Pompeo will travel to India, Sri Lanka, Japan and South Korea from June 24 to 30. His four-nation is aimed at deepening US partnerships in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.

Pompeo said under President Donald Trump, the US has taken defence cooperation to newer heights, solidified their common vision for the Indo-Pacific and taken a far tougher stand on Pakistan's unacceptable support for terrorism.

Now the Trump and Modi Administrations have a "unique opportunity to take this special partnership even further", Pompeo said he has a strong partner in his new counterpart, Jaishankar, a former ambassador to the United States.

"He said in a speech in April that he's ready to cultivate warmer relations with America and the feeling is mutual. We want to move ahead," he said and enumerated how that can be done.

First, the two countries have to build ever-stronger relationships, he said.

"Forging strong ties means formalising these individual friendships. Last year, we kicked off the '2+2 dialogue' alongside the Department of Defence. We've also reinvigorated the Quad Dialogue among India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, all like-minded democracies in the Indo-Pacific. These are all good steps," he said.

India and the US, he said, must embrace the strategic framework that works for both the nations.&nbsp;

"We respect India as a sovereign power, with its own unique politics and strategic challenges. We realise it's different to deal with the likes of China or Pakistan from across an ocean than across a border," he said.

Making a strong case for a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said it starts from the premise that the two share common values of democracy, freedom, and a belief in the ingenuity of the human spirit. "It's only natural that the world's most populous democracy should partner with the world's oldest democracy to maintain their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific."

"Third, we have to deliver," Pompeo said.

The Trump Administration has already enabled American companies to export more high technology items to India, including cutting-edge defence platforms like armed UAVs and ballistic missile defence systems. "We've already launched the Asia-EDGE programme, to help India raise private capital to meet its energy security and access needs," he said.

"These are solid achievements, but we want to do much more. We clearly have overlapping interests in defence, energy, and space," said the top American diplomat.

Pompeo said the first batch of India's Apache helicopters are coming off Boeing's production line in Arizona. Lockheed Martins F-21 and Boeing's F/A-18 are state-of-the-art fighters that could give India the capabilities it needs to become a full-fledged security provider in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.

"On energy, we want to complete the Westinghouse civil nuclear project, and deliver more American LNG and crude," he said adding that these steps will give Indians reliable and abundant energy and help reduce dependence on regimes like Iran and Venezuela.

On space, NASA is already working with the Indian Space Research Organisation on the world's most advanced earth-observation satellite and India's second lunar mission. 
But differences remain in some of the key trade and business issues, he acknowledged.&nbsp;

"But we remain open to dialogue and hope our Indian friends will drop their trade barriers and trust in the competitiveness of their exporters and private-sector companies," he said.

Pompeo said the US will also push for the free flow of data across borders, not just to help American companies but to protect data and ensure consumer privacy. 
The US is eager to help India establish secure communications networks including 5G networks, he said.

Citing the popular election slogan "Modi hai to mumkin hai", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sought to take the bilateral relationship with India to the next level and said the Trump and Modi administrations have a "unique opportunity" to make it happen.

Citing the popular election slogan "Modi hai to mumkin hai", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sought to take the bilateral relationship with India to the next level and said the Trump and Modi administrations have a "unique opportunity" to make it happen. "As Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi said in his latest campaign, 'Modi hai to mumkin hai,' or 'Modi makes it possible', I'm looking forward to exploring what's possible between our people," Pompeo said in his major India policy speech at the India Ideas Summit of US-India Business Council on Wednesday. Very much looking forward to his trip to New Delhi later this month, and meeting Modi, and his new counterpart, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, Pompeo listed out some of the "big ideas and big opportunities" that can take the bilateral relationship to a new level. Giving a sneak preview of his India mission, he said he truly believes the two nations have a unique opportunity to move forward together for the good of their peoples, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world. Pompeo will travel to India, Sri Lanka, Japan and South Korea from June 24 to 30. His four-nation is aimed at deepening US partnerships in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. Pompeo said under President Donald Trump, the US has taken defence cooperation to newer heights, solidified their common vision for the Indo-Pacific and taken a far tougher stand on Pakistan's unacceptable support for terrorism. Now the Trump and Modi Administrations have a "unique opportunity to take this special partnership even further", Pompeo said he has a strong partner in his new counterpart, Jaishankar, a former ambassador to the United States. "He said in a speech in April that he's ready to cultivate warmer relations with America and the feeling is mutual. We want to move ahead," he said and enumerated how that can be done. First, the two countries have to build ever-stronger relationships, he said. "Forging strong ties means formalising these individual friendships. Last year, we kicked off the '2+2 dialogue' alongside the Department of Defence. We've also reinvigorated the Quad Dialogue among India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, all like-minded democracies in the Indo-Pacific. These are all good steps," he said. India and the US, he said, must embrace the strategic framework that works for both the nations. "We respect India as a sovereign power, with its own unique politics and strategic challenges. We realise it's different to deal with the likes of China or Pakistan from across an ocean than across a border," he said. Making a strong case for a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said it starts from the premise that the two share common values of democracy, freedom, and a belief in the ingenuity of the human spirit. "It's only natural that the world's most populous democracy should partner with the world's oldest democracy to maintain their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific." "Third, we have to deliver," Pompeo said. The Trump Administration has already enabled American companies to export more high technology items to India, including cutting-edge defence platforms like armed UAVs and ballistic missile defence systems. "We've already launched the Asia-EDGE programme, to help India raise private capital to meet its energy security and access needs," he said. "These are solid achievements, but we want to do much more. We clearly have overlapping interests in defence, energy, and space," said the top American diplomat. Pompeo said the first batch of India's Apache helicopters are coming off Boeing's production line in Arizona. Lockheed Martins F-21 and Boeing's F/A-18 are state-of-the-art fighters that could give India the capabilities it needs to become a full-fledged security provider in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. "On energy, we want to complete the Westinghouse civil nuclear project, and deliver more American LNG and crude," he said adding that these steps will give Indians reliable and abundant energy and help reduce dependence on regimes like Iran and Venezuela. On space, NASA is already working with the Indian Space Research Organisation on the world's most advanced earth-observation satellite and India's second lunar mission. But differences remain in some of the key trade and business issues, he acknowledged. "But we remain open to dialogue and hope our Indian friends will drop their trade barriers and trust in the competitiveness of their exporters and private-sector companies," he said. Pompeo said the US will also push for the free flow of data across borders, not just to help American companies but to protect data and ensure consumer privacy. The US is eager to help India establish secure communications networks including 5G networks, he said.

Modi 'hai to mumkin hai', says Pompeo ahead of India visit

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