India necessary friend of USA: Dr Henry Kissinger

Mumbai, Nov 19 (UNI) Former US secretary of state and a legendary expert of foreign relations, Dr Henry Kissinger today said India has a consistent foreign policy, irrespective of change of governments, and he respects the same.

''I look at India as a necessary friend to carry out each other's interest and not as a strategic ally against China,'' he said.

Speaking at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian industries here on ''American foreign policy after elections'', Dr Kissinger said during the cold war the US was the principal country, while India maintained its neutral image.

However, at the end of the cold war, India-USA have developed close relationship, he said.

In a word of advice for US foreign policy, he said, ''We have to learn a complex foreign policy in the present scenario and president elect Barrak Obama will go in the same direction.'' Dr Kissinger was an ardent supporter of republican candidate John Mccain.

Speaking about Iran, he said there is danger that Iran may use its nuclear power to create N-weapons, however, Iran-India gas pipeline is the natural thing to do for both the countries.

On Pakistan, he said ''We believe that Pakistan is sharing our views on many issues including Islamic terrorism.'' UNI JM SR LS CS2318