GURGAON: US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Sunday said the US was keeping a close watch on the actions being taken by Pakistan against terrorists since the country had emerged as home to a "syndicate of terrorism".

"We are watching it and we hope Pakistan will make progress against what is a syndicate of terrorism — Al-Qaida, Taliban and many other terror organisations are connected in a way that is deeply troubling to us, and I know to India. But it is also now troubling Pakistan," she said.

Clinton, who was talking to reporters after addressing a conference on climate change at the ITC Green Centre in Gurgaon, also spoke of the growing cooperation between India and the US in the field of counter-terrorism.
In response to a question, the visiting US secretary of state expressed hope that the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks would meet their "day of reckoning" soon.

Clinton arrived in India on Saturday and reached the Capital on Sunday afternoon from Mumbai. Clinton is staying at the Taj Palace in Delhi — a choice which she said "would send a message across to the perpetrators behind the Mumbai terror attacks".

"No country is committed more towards ending terrorism than the United States. We suffered 9/11 and now expect all nations, not just US and India, to stand up and fight against terrorism. Terrorism is a threat to all and every country must fight against the menace. It doesn't take much to become a terrorist, planting an explosive somewhere takes less effort than putting together a building. It's these misguided youths who need to be tackled," she said.

Referring to Pakistan, she said, "I have also sent messages very directly to the Pakistani people that this (fight against terrorism) is in the interest of Pakistan, the future stability and security of Pakistan."

While her remarks confirmed Pakistan's notoriety as the epicentre of terrorism, Clinton also said the US had "seen an evolving commitment, not only by Pakistani government but also Pakistani people and a recognition that terrorism within a country is a threat to that country". Emphasising that nobody is safe anywhere from terrorism, Clinton said every country has a responsibility to "stand up against terrorism". "We expect every nation to take action against terrorism. We are watching and expecting that this will occur," she said.

Clinton also spoke of the growing Indo-US collaboration against terrorism, saying the US was increasingly coordinating with India about sharing information, looking for effective ways to protect people.

She made it clear that the US would be working "very hard against the threat of terrorism and we hope that we live long enough to see that happy day come for India and the US".

The US secretary of state also said her country has made it clear to every nation that the fight against terrorism was the responsibility not only of India, the US or Europe but that of everyone.