Trump just cranked up the rivalry between two nuclear giants 2 Hours Ago | 00:44

President Donald Trump blasted Pakistan for being a terrorist hotbed on Monday and stressed the need for stronger ties with India in remarks likely to worsen ties between the two nuclear-armed rivals.

During a speech focused on U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan, Trump accused Islamabad of harboring militants and warned of consequences if the government didn’t crack down on sweeping fundamentalism.

“The U.S. can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban and others, that pose a threat to the region and beyond … No partnership can survive a country’s harboring of militants,” he said.

A few sentences later, the leader brought India into the equation.

“The U.S. will further develop its strategic partnership with India,” Trump said, referring to the realm of counter-terrorism. Washington wants New Delhi to help more with Afghanistan in areas of economic assistance and development, he added.

Playing sides’