NEW DELHI: References to terrorism are par for the course in India-US statements but President Donald Trump 's comment appreciating India's support for American action against North Korea was less common.The remark, however, may signal in part the success of Indian efforts to engage with an administration that is seen to be headed by a temperamental leader by offering support on an issue that is clearly on Trump's mind. "I also thank the Indian people for their contributions to the effort in Afghanistan , and for joining us in applying new sanctions against the North Korean regime. Support for sanctions is one way of pitching in for a cause that is close to Trump's heart.The US president's suggestion that the matter of North Korea was high on his agenda and could merit action soon is a strong hint that Russia and China may take note of.After Trump's unconventional decision to back Saudi Arabia outright against Iran in the war against the Islamic State, neither will take his comments lightly. Trump's actions against Iran seem to be driven at least in part by a disagreement over the previous Barack Obama administration's nuclear deal with the hardline theocracy in Tehran.He also sees the Saudis as more relevant in leading a Sunni coalition against the IS even as the Shia regime in Iraq is also targeting the extremist group. If he does act against North Korea soon, Trump would have broken another hex that past Democrat and Republican administrations have been unable to beat.

Source: Times of India June 27, 2017 21:28 UTC