WASHINGTON: Washington would welcome “productive and peaceful talks” between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, but the pace, scope and nature of any dialogue is a matter for India and Pakistan to determine, said Matthew Miller, a US State Department spokesman.
Miller was speaking in response to a question about the US welcoming future talks between India and Pakistan on all issues, including Kashmir, especially after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted his newly elected Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on taking office.
The timing of the greeting is important as tensions remain between the two countries on various issues.
A State Department spokesman said at a press conference that Washington welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement.
“The United States values its relationships with both India and Pakistan, and we want them to have productive and peaceful relationships,” 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 to be determined by India and Pakistan.”
The Prime Minister of India on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz on being sworn in as the country’s 24th Prime Minister.
“Congratulations @CMShehbaz on being sworn in as Prime Minister of Pakistan,” read a statement on Modi’s official X handle.
The US also welcomed Shehbaz’s return as prime minister and assured that it would work with the new Pakistani government to “advance the common interests” of the two countries.
Responding to a question about human rights abuses and corruption in Pakistan in light of veteran Javed Hashmi’s comments about the country being in dire straits, Miller reiterated Washington’s call to uphold human rights.
