Supporting India's "right to self-defence" in the aftermath of the Uri attack, which it dubbed a "clear case of cross-border terrorism", the US on Wednesday dismissed the recent attempt by Pakistan to link peace in war-torn Afghanistan with resolution of the Kashmir issue.
The White House backed India's right to defend itself as with any other country, in view of the recent surgical strike but advised caution given the heavy militarisation between the two neighbours.
It also said that the US is making every effort to ensure that India becomes a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) by the end of this year.
Afghanistan and Kashmir Not Related
Last week, Peter Lavoy, the White House's point person for South Asia, met the two special envoys of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Kashmir.
Making a rare appearance before a Washington audience, Lavoy refuted any link between Afghanistan and Kashmir.
The two Pakistani envoys in their public meetings had linked peace in Afghanistan to resolving the Kashmir issue.
“We certainly do not believe that the situation in Afghanistan is linked with Kashmir,” the top White House official said.
It (Uri) was a clear case of cross-border terrorism. We condemned this act of terrorism. It was a horrific attack. Every country has a right to self-defence. But in a heavily militarised relationship that has also experienced three wars, there is indeed a need for caution and restraint.Peter Lavoy, White House point person for South Asia
India and Pakistan have a "friction-filled relationship" and they have not found a way to overcome that, he said.
India’s NSG Membership
Lavoy also said that India-US ties are the "most dynamic relationship" for the US as he listed the Obama administration's achievements in strengthening the relationship between the two largest democracies of the world.
Lavoy added that the US is making every effort to ensure that India becomes a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group by the end of this year.
"In 2016, India ought to join the NSG," he said, referring to the commitment made by the US in this regard, exhibiting New Delhi's new leadership in non-proliferation.
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(Source: PTI)
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