Pak, Afghan important but not at cost of India: Blake

Washington, July 1 (ANI): The United States has made it clear that India remains one of its most important allies.

Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Robert Blake told a US daily that Pakistan and Afghanistan are important allies of the United States, but not at the cost of India.

"Afghanistan and Pakistan are strategic priorities, but I do not want to imply that comes at the expense of India. India will continue to be also a strategic priority for the United States," Blake said.

Responding to a question, Blake said America intends to continue to consult 'friends' in India on issues relating to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

e said that India should not be concerned about American assistance to Pakistan and that the huge financial aid being offered to Pakistan will benefit it in the long run.

"All of those things should be very much in India's interest as well. I think the people of India should support and agree with what we are trying to do," The News quoted Blake, as saying.

Blake, who met a delegation of Indian MPs' here, said the main objective behind sending aid to Pakistan is to help the troubled nation overcome its economic challenges and to extend the writ of the government.(ANI)