On Pak,India draws the line for US,China

The MEA reaction comes after the US and China issued a joint statement during Barack Obama’s Beijing visit that talked about China’s role in improving relations between India and Pakistan.

The joint statement said that the two countries “support the efforts of Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight terrorism,maintain domestic stability and achieve sustainable economic and social development,and support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan.” This had raised concerns that the US is looking at China to play a bigger role in the region and monitor talks between India and Pakistan.

The ruling Congress sought to play down the reference to India-Pakistan ties in the joint statement,maintaining that it was “a casual remark” and “too much” was being read into it. Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told reporters,“Too much is being read. I don’t think there is any change in the US policy towards us. If what was suggested in the press was intended,it would be objectionable. But we have no basis to say that. It was an interpretation of a casual remark. If it is carried any further,that will be the time to react.” He said relations between the US and India,especially in the recent past,were on “solid footing”. “So a casual phrase will not have any impact.”

US Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer did not comment on the joint statement,saying he had not had a close look on the matter. However,in a media interaction prior to a visit by PM Manmohan Singh to Washington,Roemer said the US wants Pakistan to act against the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack. “We want to see action and results from our friends and partners in the Pakistani government. The seven Mumbai suspects should be brought to justice in Pakistan,” he said. Roemer said that during Singh’s visit to the US,the two countries would discuss ways of extending cooperation in anti-terrorism.