“We want them to have a productive and peaceful relationship,” says State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
- The United States wants to see a “productive and peaceful relationship.”
- India and Pakistan will decide how the dialogue will progress.
- Washington “values” its relationship with both countries.
Washington would welcome “productive and peaceful talks” between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, but the pace, scope and character of any dialogue is a matter for India and Pakistan to determine, said US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. .
Miller commented in response to a question about the United States welcoming future talks between India and Pakistan on all issues, including Kashmir, particularly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted his newly elected Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif , upon assuming office.
The timing of the greeting is significant, as tensions remain persistent between the two countries over various issues.
The State Department spokesperson, at a news conference, said Washington welcomed the prime minister's statement.
“The United States values its relationship with both India and Pakistan, and we want them to have a productive and peaceful relationship,” Miller said.
He added: “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.”
The Indian Prime Minister on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz on taking oath as the country's 24th Prime Minister.
“Congratulations to @CMShehbaz for taking oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan,” read the statement on Modi's official X handle.
The United States also welcomed Shehbaz's return as prime minister and assured to work with the new Pakistani government to “promote the shared interests” of the two countries.
Responding to a question on human rights violations and corruption in Pakistan in relation to veteran politician Javed Hashmi's comment on the nation's catastrophic situation, Miller reiterated Washington's call to respect human rights.
“So we have made it clear publicly – you have heard me say from this podium many times, and we have made it clear since – we have made it clear in our private conversations that we want Pakistan to respect the human rights of all its citizens,” the spokesperson said. .
