Thaindian News

New Delhi, July 22 (IANS) The US Thursday said its improving relationship with India and Pakistan is in the interests of both countries as it pitches for better ties between New Delhi and Islamabad.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke of her desire for India to improve relations with Pakistan when she met External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna in Kabul two days ago, US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke told reporters here.

“The truth is that the US has better relations with India and Pakistan than the two countries have with each other. It’s in the interest of both countries,” he said.

Holbrooke said he was also present at the discussions and added that Krishna shared with Clinton India’s perception of the foreign minister-level talks in Islamabad that ended in bitter discord over clashing perceptions on issues like terror.

The envoy tried to assuage concerns in India about the growing relationship of the US with Pakistan in the wake of the Taliban reintegration and reconciliation plan in Afghanistan.

“Our goal is to improve relations with Pakistan,” said Holbrooke, who flew in here form Kabul on a two-day visit Wednesday.

Before heading to Kabul, Holbrooke was in Islamabad as part of Clinton’s delegation to participate in the US-Pakistan strategic dialogue.

The envoy assured that the US sees India as a major factor for stability in the region.

“Our support for India is undiminished. India has a central role in the region. India can play a very important role in search for stability in the region,” he said.

He added that Afghanistan’s neighbours like India have legitimate security interests in stability of that country.