Pak must act against terrorism, sees India as key global partner: Burns

New Delhi, June 11 (ANI): United States Under Secretary of State for political affairs William Burns on Thursday said that his country wants to have strong ties with India.

Addressing media persons in the national Capital, Burns highlighted the significance of US-India relationship and its importance for both democracies as well as the world.

Stressing that there was need for cooperation between India and the U.S on the issues of defence, counter terrorism and science, Burns said: "The United States views India as one of its key global partners of the 21st century."

He also expressed his country's optimism about the implementation of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal.

Speaking about the efforts being made to bring to book the people responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, in which 6 Americans also lost their lives, Burns said that it was an international responsibility to ensure that people behind the horrible act are brought to justice.

Burns was categorical about the fact that Pakistan must crackdown on the terrorist infrastructure on its soil. He emphasised Pakistan's role in this aspect, saying: "Pakistan has a special responsibility to act in that direction and this is something that we convey to Pakistan."

On the question of the U.S role over the issue of Kashmir, Burns ruled out any direct interference in the Kashmir issue that Pakistan has been pressing for.

Burns, however, said that the US welcomes a dialogue between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue but it is for India and Pakistan to see, when and how to approach the dialogue.

Talking about the instability and growing terrorist influence in Pakistan Burns expressed serious concerns and said that it was dangerous not only for Pakistan but also for the entire region.

"The problem of terrorism and instability in Pakistan is dangerous fro everyone, not only Pakistan."

Earlier in the day, Burns called on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and handed over to him U.S President Barack Obama's message.

"Both the countries are keen enough to develop the bilateral agenda for the next phase," the letter's excerpts stated.

William Burns' trip to India has come a month ahead of the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton' scheduled visit to India in mid-July.

Burns will go to Mumbai on Friday. By Aamir Rashid (ANI)