In a statement here, Pallone said one of the key factors that had been overlooked in ``our narrow India-Pakistan focus is the role of China. I believe that China is the real threat to India, as well as to US interests and to regional security. It is in this context that India's potential role as a partner for peace and stability should be understood.''

Asking the US to recognise that the policy of confrontation with India was totally unjustified in the context of the US problems with China, he said Washington should ``recognise India's legitimate security needs and the need for greater Indo-US cooperation in responding to the threats posed by China.''

Pallone, a key founder and former co-chairman of the Congressional caucusfor India and Indian Americans, also called for a US policy with regard to South Asia that ``turns away from the current stance of confrontation with India.''

He said South Asia was a region of growing importance to US diplomatic, political, security and economic interests, adding he would take up the issue with Clinton administration, apart from presenting his ideas to Congress.

``We need to shift our focus from simply condemning India for becoming a nuclear power -- which, whether we like it or not, is the reality -- to adjusting our thinking to this new reality and working to promote peace, security, confidence-building and non-proliferation in South Asia,'' Pallone said.

He said India had legitimate concerns about China's support for Pakistan's nuclear and missile programme as well as potential Chinese designs on Indian territory.

``Since the US must also view China as a potential adversary, there is a growing convergence of American and Indian objectives in responding to China,'' Pallonesaid.