India-Pakistan relations: US says, ‘We will continue to…’

The United States has reiterated its stand on terrorism, saying that it hopes any country on the planet condemns terrorism anywhere. 

Responding to a question about US relations with India and Pakistan, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State said: “We would hope that any country on the face of the planet condemns terrorism anywhere.”

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Vedant Patel reiterated the US' stand on terrorism and emphasised building positive relations with neighbours. These comments come amid India's consistent stance that terrorism and talks cannot coexist with Pakistan.

The US official noted that the nation welcomes all countries striving to build positive relations with their neighbours. He said, "But ultimately, this is broadly between India and Pakistan; of course, we welcome any countries making more positive relations with their neighbours. But as it relates to this specifically, I don't have anything to offer," he said, according to ANI.

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He highlighted that the US is deepening relations with India in several key spaces. "India is a country in which we are deepening our relations within a number of key spaces, especially as it relates to deepening our economic ties and deepening our security cooperation," Vedant Patel said, as reported by ANI.

Patel noted, "So, this is an area we will continue to cultivate this relationship," news agency ANI reported.

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The Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State noted past state visits and pointed out that the US hosted India for a state visit last summer. Anticipating numerous additional areas where cooperation will continue to deepen, the US official underscored Prime Minister Modi's state visit to the US and also drew reference to the National Security Adviser Sullivan's visit to Delhi few weeks ago.

(With inputs from ANI)