We Support Direct Discussions Between India and Pakistan: US

In a recent statement, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the United States' commitment to maintaining and nurturing its essential relationships with both India and Pakistan. 

At a daily news conference on Thursday, Miller underscored the significance of these bilateral ties, reflecting the United States' strategic interest in South Asia's stability and security. 

He highlighted the importance of direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, asserting that the nature and progression of such discussions should be determined by the two nations themselves.

The United States has consistently advocated for direct communication between India and Pakistan as a means to resolve their differences. 

Miller reiterated this stance, stating, "We support direct discussions between India and Pakistan, but the pace, scope, and character should be determined by those two countries, not by us." 

This approach emphasizes the sovereignty and agency of both nations in handling their bilateral issues, promoting a more sustainable and self-determined path to peace.

In response to questions about regional security, Miller elaborated on the United States' partnership with Pakistan. 

He mentioned that the US and Pakistan share a common goal of addressing regional security threats, working closely through high-level counterterrorism dialogue and various capacity-building programs. 

This collaboration includes a series of military-to-military engagements, highlighting the depth and breadth of the security partnership between the two nations.

Miller also touched on the sensitive issue of allegations involving Indian government agents and activities in Pakistan. 

While acknowledging the media reports, he refrained from commenting on the underlying allegations, reflecting a cautious and neutral stance on such contentious issues. 

This careful diplomacy underscores the US's intent to encourage dialogue without exacerbating tensions.

Relations between India and Pakistan have been particularly strained since August 2019, when India revoked Article 370, removing Jammu and Kashmir's special status and reorganizing the region into two Union Territories. 

Pakistan's reaction was swift and severe, including downgrading diplomatic ties and expelling the Indian envoy. 

Despite these tensions, India has consistently reiterated its stance that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and expressed a desire for stable, terror-free, and violence-free neighborly relations with Pakistan.

The United States' position is clear: it supports and encourages India and Pakistan to engage in direct discussions to resolve their issues. 

By respecting the autonomy of both nations in determining the framework of their dialogue, the US aims to facilitate a constructive and peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflicts in the region.