Pakistan seeks to shift Obama-Sharif talks focus to India

Washington, Oct 22: Ahead of his meeting Thursday with President Barack Obama, visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has sought to shift the focus of talks to India rather than counter-terrorism and safety of Pakistan's nuclear weapons highlighted by US. Sharif's meeting with Obama "will highlight the enduring nature of the US-Pakistan relationship and provide an opportunity to strengthen our cooperation on issues of mutual interest," a White House statement said Wednesday. These include "economic growth, trade and investment, clean energy, global health, climate change, nuclear security, counterterrorism, and regional stability." "The President looks forward to discussions with Prime Minister Sharif on ways we can advance our shared interest in a stable, secure, and prosperous Pakistan." According to official Pakistani news agency APP, Pakistan Wednesday handed over three dossiers to US Secretary of State John Kerry about alleged Indian involvement in subversive activities in the country. The dossiers were handed over to Kerry when he called on Sharif at the Blair House. Kerry, it said, was briefed about the alleged destabilising role of Indian agencies in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Balochistan and Karachi. Sharif, according to APP, also reiterated his commitment to seek normalisation with India. However, State Department spokesperson, John Kirby told reporters he was "not aware that we have" received any documents relating to India from Pakistan.