Relationship with India and Pakistan stand on their own: US

Washington, Jan 31: The relationship of US with India and Pakistan "stand on their own" and are not linked to each other, the Obama Administration has said stating that its relationship with the two South Asian neighbors remain strong.

"We have assured both countries is that the United States relationship with India and the United States relationship with Pakistan are strong, they are vital to our strategic interests and they stand on their own," the State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters yesterday.

"We work with Pakistan on a range of issues. We work with India on a range of issues," she said when asked if the resolution of nuclear deal issues would have an impact on the strategic balance between India and Pakistan.

"This particular issue is one that is been ongoing with India for some time, but we certainly have reiterated our strong commitment to our strategic relationship with Pakistan. "The Secretary of State (John Kerry) was just there a couple of weeks ago visiting with them and reiterating our commitment," she said. Responding to a question on nuclear deal, Psaki said it is an understanding on an administrative arrangement for implementing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.

PTI