United States applauds Narendra Modi-Nawaz Sharif bilateral meeting

The US today applauded the first bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, adding it welcomes any steps by the two South Asian neighbours to strengthen and deepen their dialogue and cooperation.

"We welcome the news of Prime Minister Sharif's visit to India for Prime Minister Modi's inauguration and their subsequent bilateral meeting," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

"I would point you to both of their governments on the substance of the meeting between them, but broadly speaking, we continue to welcome any and all steps India and Pakistan take to strengthen and deepen their dialogue and cooperation, and we applaud any efforts between India and Pakistan to create economic opportunities for the people of both countries that can contribute to a more secure, stable and prosperous region.

"So we certainly support and applaud the news of the weekend," Psaki said in response to a question.

Narendra Modi, who was sworn-in as India's 15th Prime Minister yesterday, voiced concerns over terrorism originating from Pakistan in his 45-minute meeting with Sharif.