US Deflects Question About PM Narendra Modi's 'Mother-Ship Of Terror' Remark On Pak

Washington: The US has refrained from commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi branding Pakistan as the "mother-ship of terrorism" at the recent Goa summit of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

China yesterday defended long-time ally Pakistan.

"I have to admit, I have not been briefed on those comments. What I can say in general is that we have encouraged India and Pakistan to look for ways to resolve peacefully their deeply-held differences on a range of issues," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters yesterday in response to a question on PM Modi's remark.

Yesterday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked about PM Modi's comments, said, "We also oppose the linking of terrorism to any specific country, ethnicity or religion."

PM Modi's comment at BRICS continues his concerted diplomatic drive to isolate Pakistan after last month's attack at an army camp in Uri in Kashmir, in which 19 soldiers were killed.

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Less than two weeks later, India crossed the Line of Control to target terrorist launch pads or staging areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan has denied the cross-border raids, which came as Delhi moved to corner Pakistan at international fora like the United Nations.