US backs India's 'right to self-defence'
Supporting India's right to self-defence in the aftermath of the Uri attack, which was dubbed as a clear case of cross-border terrorism, the United States of America has dismissed the recent attempt by Pakistan to link peace in war-torn Afghanistan with the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
The White House backed India's right to defend itself as with any other country, in view of the recent surgical strike+ but advised caution given the heavy militarisation between the two neighbours.militarisation between the two neighbours.
In an interview, senior White House official Peter Lavoy responded to a question on the Uri attack and said, "It (Uri) was a clear case of cross-border terrorism. We condemned this act of terrorism. It was a horrific attack. Every country has a right to self-defence. But in a heavily militarised relationship that has also experienced three wars, there is indeed a need for caution and restraint."
"We share with India, the concern for preventing any future attack. We empathise with the Indian position that it needs to respond militarily to a cross-border threat of terrorism. But we also advise caution," Lavoy said.
India and Pakistan have a "friction-filled relationship" and they have not found a way to overcome that, he said.
"We certainly do not believe that the situation in Afghanistan is linked with Kashmir," the top White House official further added.
The White House backed India's right to defend itself as with any other country, in view of the recent surgical strike+ but advised caution given the heavy militarisation between the two neighbours.militarisation between the two neighbours.
In an interview, senior White House official Peter Lavoy responded to a question on the Uri attack and said, "It (Uri) was a clear case of cross-border terrorism. We condemned this act of terrorism. It was a horrific attack. Every country has a right to self-defence. But in a heavily militarised relationship that has also experienced three wars, there is indeed a need for caution and restraint."
"We share with India, the concern for preventing any future attack. We empathise with the Indian position that it needs to respond militarily to a cross-border threat of terrorism. But we also advise caution," Lavoy said.
India and Pakistan have a "friction-filled relationship" and they have not found a way to overcome that, he said.
"We certainly do not believe that the situation in Afghanistan is linked with Kashmir," the top White House official further added.