Washington, Dec 21: The United States has said that tensions between India and Pakistan are no longer alarming as diplomatic efforts by Washington and the international community brought them down to a "markedly diminished point". "The situation between India and Pakistan has been one marked by great tension. There have been moments in the Bush administration where the tension reached alarming levels," White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said.

However, "As a result of the intervention of the President (George W Bush) and Secretary of State (Colin Powell) and numerous leaders around the world, including (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin and (British) Prime Minister Blair, (Tony) there is now a markedly diminished point of tension," he said.

On Indo-American relations, Fleischer said President George W Bush believes the relations between the two countries "are good, they are strong."
He noted that there have been a series of visits from high level Bush administration officials to India. Bureau Report