WASHINGTON : The relationship between India and Pakistan is critical to advancing peace and stability in South Asia, the US has said and asked the two countries to take steps to reduce tensions.
“The relationship between India and Pakistan is critical to advancing peace and stability in South Asia, so we welcome any steps India and Pakistan can take to reduce tensions and move toward resuming dialogue,” State Department Spokesperson Jeff Rathke told reporters at his daily news conference.
“We encourage India and Pakistan to take those kinds of steps, and we believe that India and Pakistan each have a mutual interest in addressing the threat posed by violent extremism and terrorism,” he said in response to a question.
However, the US did not comment on the Indian Army operation inside neighbouring Myanmar against terrorists.
“I don’t have a comment on that specific operation. I think the point that you raised, and to which I responded, is we encourage India and Pakistan to take steps to reduce tensions and to move towards resuming talks,” Rathke said.
“We have encouraged a reduction of tensions on both sides at high levels, so that’s something we’ve mentioned,” he added. (AGENCIES)
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