Washington would welcome “productive and peaceful talks” between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, but the pace, extent, and character of any engagement would be determined by India and Pakistan, according to US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Miller responded to a question about the US welcome future negotiations between India and Pakistan on all matters, including Kashmir, especially after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his newly elected Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on taking office.
The timing of the welcome is crucial, as tensions remain high between the two countries on a variety of issues.
During a news briefing, the State Department spokesperson said that Washington welcomed the prime minister’s statement.
“The United States values its relationship with both India and Pakistan, and we want to see them have a productive and peaceful relationship,” Miller said in a statement.
He concluded by saying: “Of course we would welcome productive and peaceful talks between India and Pakistan, but the pace, scope, and character of any dialogue is a matter for India and Pakistan to determine.”
On Tuesday, the Indian premier congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz on becoming the country’s 24th premier.
“Congratulations to @CMShehbaz on being sworn in as Prime Minister of Pakistan,” stated the statement on Modi’s official Twitter account.
The United States had also hailed Shehbaz’s return as prime minister and promised to work with the new Pakistani government to advance the two nations’ “shared interests.”When asked about human rights breaches and corruption in Pakistan in light of veteran politician Javed Hashmi’s comment about the country being in a bad state, Miller underlined Washington’s appeal to protect human rights.
