Washington:
Asserting that Pakistan remains the "epicentre of terror", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said expectations have to be "toned down" over his meeting with Nawaz Sharif on Sunday.
"I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif even though the expectations have to be toned down given the terror arm which is still active in our sub-continent," Dr Singh told reporters in the Oval Office after he met US President Barack Obama. (
Read PM's statement on bilateral meeting with Obama)
The strong words come against the grim backdrop of the twin terror strikes near Jammu yesterday, in which 10 people were killed, and strident calls back home to call off the meeting.
Dr Singh and Mr Sharif are expected to hold a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Sunday, as they reach for better relations despite heightened cross border tensions.
Since winning an election in May, Mr Sharif has been vocal in his desire for better relations with India, but the recent flare-ups have overshadowed the prospects.
"I explained to President Obama the difficulties that we face given the fact that the epicentre of terror still remains focussed in Pakistan, the PM said on his talks with President Obama.
President Obama welcomed Dr Singh, calling him a friend and partner. He said India continues to suffer from terrorism and the US and India have a shared interest in reducing tensions with Pakistan.
The meeting between Dr Singh and President Obama comes amid concerns the close partnership between the US and India has stagnated in recent years.