Progress in India-Pak ties hindered by violence: Pentagon official

Progress in India-Pakistan ties has been hindered by cross-border violence but leaders of both countries have demonstrated commitment to re-initiate dialogue, a Pentagon commander said.

Progress in India-Pakistan ties has been hindered by cross-border violence and territorial disputes but leaders of both the countries have demonstrated commitment to re-initiate the comprehensive dialogue, a top Pentagon commander said.

Progress in India-Pakistan ties has been hindered by cross-border violence, a Pentagon commander said. (AP File Photo)

“Progress on the India-Pakistan relationship is hindered by cross-border violence and territorial disputes,” General Lloyd J Austin, commander of US Central Command told members of the Senate Armed Service Committee during a congressional hearing on Wednesday.

“However, there have been some encouraging signs and lines of communication remain open as demonstrated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s meeting in Pakistan in late December 2015 and the subsequent commitment to re-initiate the Comprehensive Dialogue,” Austin said.

“Dialogue between the two countries is critical especially given that they are both nuclear powers,” Austin said.

The US Central Command will continue to do its part to help encourage and strengthen the critical relationship between Pakistan and its neighbours, Austin added.