But with trade and strategic ties growing quickly between the U.S. and India, both countries have been eager to downplay potential diplomatic troubles. Pompeo and Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met separately Thursday before joining top defence officials for talks. Pompeo said the U.S. values its relationship with India, and noted “we fully support India’s rise.”Mattis and Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sithataman also met separately before joining the other two leaders. “Our effort here is not to penalize great strategic partners like India,” he said. Pompeo also said India had committed to purchasing more energy products and aircraft from the U.S. to reduce the trade deficit.

Source: National Post September 06, 2018 04:46 UTC