Indo-US bonding not meant to target China: US Ambassador

Noting that China's relation with India and America is 'complicated', US Ambassador Richard Verma today said his country's efforts to build strong relations with India were not directed at China, rather it was in the best interest of the region and the world.
Verma said the United States' engagement with India was more about two democracies coming together to become role models and about upholding the rule of law, improved security, building partnerships, open trade and improved navigation.
"A strong Indo-US relationship is in the region's interest, in the world's interest, not directed at any other country, certainly not directed at China," Verma said at a conference on improving Asian connectivity here.

"India and China and the US and China, both are very complicated and comprehensive relationships. So there are elements of co-operation and competition in our relationship," the ambassador said adding that whenever they had concerns on issues related to security and human rights they raised them.
A dialogue is important, he said.
On the multi-billion dollar 1632-km India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, the US envoy said that for greater regional economic growth and integration, the road connectivity must improve local businesses and communities.
"It is one thing to build a road to ship goods from Thailand to India and quite another to build one that takes into account the interests of local businesses and communities along the road's path," Verma said.

The second option can lead to local acceptance and improved livelihoods that ultimately will support security and stability, he says.