US hopes for "brighter future" in Indo-US ties: Tillerson

New Delhi, Oct 25: The United States on Wednesday asserted that while it would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with India in its fight against terrorism, Washington is optimistic about a "brighter future" in the decade old Indo-US ties. "In fight against terrorism, United States will stand shoulder to shoulder with India," the visiting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters after a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj here. Quoting President Donald Trump, who has earlier this year said, "the future of our (Indo-US) partnership has never looked brighter", the Secretary of State said, "we look forward to even brighter future". Mr Tillerson also said, both he and Ms Swaraj held "very fruitful and useful" dialogues here on Wednesday. This is Mr Tillerson's first visit in the official capacity. Later in the day, the visiting dignitary would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Tillerson is on an extensive tour of the region commencing with Saudi Arabia. During last two days, he has also visited Afghanistan and Pakistan. The visit of US Secretary of State assumes significance as Washington has made its desire explicitly clear that it wants to ensure greater role for India in the Afghanistan front. New Delhi has however maintained that while it is all for providing developmental support, it would not be committing force to the terror-hit country. In his media address, Mr Tillerson said that "terror-safe havens" will not be tolerated. On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision about Indo-US friendship, the Secretary of State said, "We are natural allies in the words of PM Modi....We are grateful for his friendship and his vision for a close relationship". "The United States support India's emergence...India plays an important role," he said adding, "We acknowledge with gratitude India's generous contributions to development in Afghanistan". "We also look forward for a further cooperation in Indo-Pacific region," he said. UNI