India wants US action on extremism

US: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was to open talks yesterday on a high-profile state visit to the United States where he encouraged President Barack Obama to fight Islamic extremism in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Indian premier was scheduled to address business leaders and US foreign policy scholars on the first full-fledged state visit of Obama’s presidency, which will culminate in a swank black-tie dinner at the White House on Tuesday.

While a host of issues are on the table, experts say Obama’s main intention was to demonstrate his commitment to the world’s largest democracy after an early focus on working with its neighbors China and Pakistan.

Singh appeared eager to weigh in on the top foreign issue for Obama Afghanistan.

Obama is wrapping up weeks of deliberation on whether to reinforce the 68,000 US troops who will be in Afghanistan by year-end.

“It is very important that both the US and the global community stay engaged in Afghanistan,” Singh told The Washington Post and Newsweek ahead of his arrival Sunday, warning of civil war if US forces withdrew.

Singh also called for the Obama administration to pressure Pakistan to rein in Islamic extremists, saying that India’s historic rival has not done enough against militants blamed for last year’s chilling assault on Mumbai.

“We have been the victims of Pakistan-aided, -abetted and -inspired terrorism for nearly 25 years. We would like the United States to use all its influence with Pakistan to desist from that path,” Singh said in the interview. Washington, Monday, AFP