'US encourages dialogue between India and Pakistan'

Washington, Jun 12: The US encourages talks between India and

and believes that bilateral dialogue is an important step for them to move forward, a top Obama Administration official has said.

"We encourage dialogue between India and Pakistan," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters yesterday. Psaki was referring to the recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in New Delhi, which the latter had described as very satisfactory.

"We feel that's a positive step. I would point you to New Delhi and what their plans are moving forward. As you know, there have been some steps in recent weeks that have been encouraged," she said.

"We believe dialogue is an important step in the process between India and Pakistan, and we certainly encourage that at every opportunity," Psaki added. Sharif was among the leaders from the neighbouring countries to attend Modi's swearing in ceremony on May 26. A day after he was sworn in, Modi had held a meeting with Sharif on crucial bilateral issues including terror and speedy trial of Mumbai terror attack case in Pakistan.

Later in a letter to Modi, Sharif expressed satisfaction over his meeting and said he was looking forward to working with him in "harmony on all unsettled matters".

ZH