Indo-Pak relations critical for stability of the region:Mullen

Lalit K Jha
Washington, Dec 3 (PTI) Acknowledging that India is a
big player in the region, a top US military leader has said
that the relationship between India and Pakistan is critical
for the stability in the region.
"India is a big player in that region as well,"
Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
said in response to a question at House Committee on Foreign
Affairs; which held a hearing on Afghanistan.
"I think all of us - international players, particular
regional players - have to take steps to stabilize. The
relationship between Pakistan and India is critical.
Leadership there must, I think, step forward to stabilize that
border more than anything else. I think that would be a great
step forward in stabilizing the region," Mullen said.
Mullen was responding to a question from Democrat
Congressman Donald Payne.
"Is there any way we can impress Pakistan that India
is not their biggest enemy, about Kashmir, and have Pakistan
concentrate more on Pakistan and stop worrying about India and
some India-Pakistan conflict?" Payne asked.
In answer to another question from Congressman Bill
Delahunt, the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said the
Obama Administration did consult India on its new Af-Pak
policy. MORE PTI