How India set up back channel talks with Donald Trump?

India

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Nov 23: India did not wait for the election results in the United States. Much before Donald Trump was elected President, India was in touch with his team constantly appraising him about the threat that is Pakistan.

A back channel was established at the time Trump was campaigning. In fact, it was National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary, S Jaishankar who established a back channel with Trump's team.

Trump's team was briefed about the threat posed by Pakistan based terrorist groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammad. When Jaishankar met with one of Trump's team members on Nov 17 in New York, he appraised them about the threat posed by these groups. The threat were not just specific to India, but global, the Indian officer told a member in the team.

In talks already

While discussing the threat of terrorism, Trump's team was also briefed about the surgical strikes and how it was necessary especially at this time. Further, a briefing was also given about the threats posed by terrorist groups in South East Asia.

Also read: Trump may bring 'fresh ideas' to combat terrorism: Ram Madhav

India is optimistic that Trump will take a lead in fighting the menace of terror.

A highly placed source in South Block informed OneIndia that in Trump, India sees hope. Pakistan has been upping the ante against India and this needed to be countered. "Trump does understand the problem very well and he will support India in its war against terror," the source also informed.

OneIndia News