Singapore, May 31: The United States is "very pleased" with warming relations between India and Pakistan, US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said today. Wolfowitz said ties between New Delhi and Washington were becoming "increasingly close" and dismissed a suggestion from a reporter that the United States was courting India as a counterbalance to an emerging China. He told reporters after a meeting with Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes on the fringes of the Asia Security Conference here that the United States appreciated India's contribution to the fight against terrorism. "We are also very pleased that there seems to be some progress being made now between India and Pakistan in improving their relations," he said.

Wolfowitz noted that India-Pakistan ties were a hot topic during last year's conference due to a "severe crisis" between the two nuclear-armed neighbours at that time.

"So there seems to be some progress on the subcontinent," he said. Asked if the United States was courting India as a counterbalance to china's emergence as a military and economic power, Wolfowitz replied, "I think it's important to have a relationship with a country like India on its own terms."
India and Pakistan have long been at odds over the disputed territory of Kashmir and the region is seen by military strategists as a potential flashpoint for conflict.
Bureau Report