US never propped up India against Pak: Gates

Washington, Feb 8: US defence secretary Robert Gates has rubbished Pakistani claims that US was propping India.

Speaking to reporters, Gates said, "I would tell you that the United States clearly has not or has ever propped up India."

He said, "India has not needed us for that purpose and, in fact, those familiar with the history would know that our relationship with India was fairly strained until not too many years ago."

Gates said both the countries had said they would like to resolve the differences bilaterally.

"Having an open and candid and completely transparent dialogue... seems to be the best way to avoid misunderstanding," Gates said.

"There were misgivings both in Islamabad and New Delhi on the role the two countries were playing in Afghanistan and it was essential that in any future dialogue such a misunderstanding should be cleared," he said.

Gates further said that there was no third party intervention in both countries bilateral dialogue.

"If we can be of any help and if the two parties want us to be of help, we will do what we can. We are prepared to play a constructive role, but only if both parties want us to be involved," he added.

OneIndia News