New Delhi:
A day after a US-China joint statement said the two sides "support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan", India has officially reacted saying that the statement was unnecessary and that it does not need third-party monitoring on Pakistan. (
Read: Full text of US-China joint statement)
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday: "Government of India is committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through a peaceful bilateral dialogue in accordance with the Simla Agreement. A third country role cannot be envisaged nor is it necessary. We also believe that a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan can take place only in an environment free from terror or the threat of terror."
On Wednesday, the US sent out a clarification terming India as a key ally and major partner. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters at his daily news briefing that the US is looking forward to the state visit of the Indian Prime Minister and that the US President would share his thoughts on his China visit with Manmohan Singh.
"I am sure that since the President will have just gotten back from China, and that'll be fresh on his mind that he will share some of his impressions and thoughts about his visit to China as well," Kelly said in response to a question. (
Read: Obama, Manmohan to talk China next week)
Pakistan meanwhile has welcomed the US-China joint statement.Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesman said the joint reiteration topromote peace, stability and security in South Asia was a welcomestatement.
The Indian prime minister will be the first head of a government to be hosted at the White House after Obama took over in January. He leaves for the US on Saturday, and will meet the US president on November 24. (
Read: Agenda for PM's upcoming visit to US)
President Obama will also discuss 26/11 with Manmohan Singh during the Prime Minister's trip, Timothy Roemer, the US Ambassador to India, has confirmed. (
Read: Obama-Manmohan to discuss 26/11)
On Wednesday, Roemer also said that America "needs to see action" by Pakistan against the terrorists behind 26/11. He added that Pakistan needs "to concentrate on dismantling terrorist infrastructure".
Meanwhile, the US House of Representative has decided to discuss a resolution commemorating the Indo-US relationship on Wednesday.
The resolution (H res No 890) moved by Congressman Jim McDermott and co-sponsored by 14 other lawmakers has been placed sixth the agenda item of the day according to the floor scheduled released last night by the House Majority Leader Steny H Hoyer.
The resolution welcomes the Prime Minister to the US and commends the maturating of the relationship. It notes that the ties between the US and India have great potential to promote stability, democracy, prosperity, and peace throughout the world and enhance the ability of both countries to work together to provide global leadership in areas of mutual concern and interest.
The last time the prime minister went to America as President Bush's state guest he came back with the Indo-US nuclear deal.
This time ruffled feathers over the China statement not withstanding, the significance of being Barack Obama's first state guest since he became president 11 months ago is not lost on anyone.
But all eyes will be on what Obama puts on the table as the next big step in Indo-US relations.