Despite PM Modi's backing, US says 'don't support independence for Balochistan'

PM Narendra Modi had said people from Balochistan have thanked him for raising their concerns.

Washington: The US respects the unity and territorial integrity of Pakistan and does not support independence for Balochistan, a state department official has said.

"The government policy is that we support the territorial integrity of Pakistan and we do not support independence for Balochistan," State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference on Monday.

Kirby was responding to a question on growing criticism from both inside and outside Pakistan's Balochistan province on its independence and violation of human rights by the Pakistani security forces there.

"Where does the US stand on Balochistan? Because Indian Prime minister (Narendra Modi) has raised this subject," Kirby was asked.

"The US Government respects the unity and territorial integrity of Pakistan and we do not support independence for Balochistan," he reiterated.

In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, PM Modi had spoken about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit and Balochistan and said people from there have thanked him for raising their concerns.