WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The United States stands with India in the fight against terrorism, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns said.
The Hindustan Times reported at the weekend that Burns, a senior Bush administration official, said that the United States is fundamentally opposed to all groups that direct terrorism against India.
Burns made his comments during the "Ask the White House" online interactive forum Friday.
He told forum viewers: "The United States is a great friend of India. We admire your democracy and civilization. Our two countries are developing a close strategic partnership. We are fundamentally opposed to all groups that direct terrorism at India. We were saddened by the Mumbai bombings, and stand with India in the fight against terrorism."
When a viewer from India suggested to Burns that the Bush administration is battling terrorist outfits of concern only to the United States and Britain Burns reiterated President George W. Bush's comments that the United States is fighting a global war on terror directed against peace-loving countries around the world.
Burn told forum participants that U.S. efforts to combat terrorism now include counter-terrorism training programs in nearly 100 countries.
