Kashmir policy has not changed: US

The US State Department reiterated on Wednesday that the policy of the United States regarding the Kashmir issue has not changed.

Answering a question during the regular press briefing, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in terms of Kashmir, “our policy has not changed. We continue to encourage the sides to sit down and talk together about that.”

Nauert, in response to another question, said “I think one of the things that we would do is ask or encourage India and Pakistan to sit down together and engage in direct dialogue that is aimed at reducing tensions between both of those countries”.

The spokesperson said the US views the whole strategy and handling Afghanistan as being a regional strategy, and that, of course, incorporates India as well as Pakistan.

When asked whether the US supports Pakistan’s efforts to fence the Pak-Aghan border, Nauert said they have not had conversations with the Pakistani government about that idea or proposal.

“We continue to support practical cooperation between both of the countries,” she said when a reporter pointed out the controversy over the Durand Line.

The spokesperson also informed that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke with the Indian minister of external affairs on Monday to give a heads-up as to what the US’ new strategy would be.

The secretary said India is emerging as a very important regional strategic partner and has played an important role in supporting the Afghan government and, in particular, the economy, she informed.