The United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, pulled up Pakistan and China, while delivering his first major policy speech on India.
Speaking on 'Defining Our Relationship with India for the Next Century' at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Tillerson said in the last decade counter-terrorism cooperation has expanded significantly between India and the US.
While Tillerson criticised Pakistan for not taking any action against the terrorist groups based in the country, he slammed China for violating international law and norms in South China Sea.
"We expect Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups based in their own region," Tillerson said, adding, "China's provocative actions in South China Sea directly challenge the international law and norms that the US and India both stand for."
The US state secretary added that Washington and New Delhi stand shoulder to shoulder against terrorism.
He also emphasised that both countries need to collaborate to ensure the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The secretary of state's remarks assume significance as they come ahead of the US President Donald Trump's proposed Asia visit next month.
Last month, Tillerson had met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting.
