Not for US to determine modalities in which India, Pakistan engage: State Dept

The US has said that while it supports diplomacy between Pakistan and India to resolve longstanding disputes, it is not for Washington to determine the modalities or the way in which both neighbours engage.

During a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price was asked to comment about peace talks between Pakistan and India.

“I will speak to the message we sent to both India and Pakistan. We support constructive dialogue. We support diplomacy between India and Pakistan to resolve, again, another set of longstanding disputes.

US says dialogue between India, Pakistan ‘a matter for those two countries’

“We are a partner. We are willing to support that process in any way that they deem appropriate, but ultimately these are decisions that India and Pakistan themselves are going to have to make,” the spokesman said.

While commenting on the US having the power and authority to mediate between the two partners, Price said that these are decisions for the countries themselves, adding that if the neighbours agree on a particular role for the US, then Washington is prepared to, as a partner to both countries, support that process in any way that it responsibly can.

Counterterrorism programmes: Pakistan, US express resolve to deepen cooperation

“But ultimately, it is not for the United States to determine the modalities or the way in which India and Pakistan engage one another.

“What we support is constructive dialogue, meaningful diplomacy between India and Pakistan in the first instance to resolve longstanding conflicts,” he said.

On Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan has consistently advocated peace and dialogue in South Asia and the country’s foreign policy is based on building partnerships for peace, friendship, and prosperity in the region and beyond.

“We desire friendly ties with all our neighbours. We have also advocated constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue with India on all outstanding issues including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately, India’s unabated hostility and retrogressive steps have vitiated the regional environment and impeded the prospects for peace and cooperation,” she said.