Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said that the US views its relationship with India and Pakistan differently, and with different priority. (File Photo)
Highlights
- US says it views its relationship with India and Pakistan 'individually'
- Interested in going after terrorist groups in Pakistan, says Pentagon
- 'Have security interests with India that stand alone and stand apart'
The United States views its relationships with India and Pakistan individually and not as a "zero-sum game", the Pentagon has said.
"The United States views the relationship with Pakistan as not a zero-sum game with regard to India. We look at these relationships individually," Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters at a news conference yesterday.
The issue was clarified by US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter during his trip to India last month, Mr Cook said.
"We have an interest and Pakistan has an interest in going after terrorist groups in that country. We've talked about it at length, and that is the focus of that security relationship with Pakistan," he said.
"At the same time, we have security interests with India that stand alone and stand apart," he said adding that Mr Carter feels very strongly that the relationship can be enhanced further.
"We have made significant strides in the last few years with regard to that, last few months, even. And he sees that continuing to build, and he does not see those two issues, if you will, not getting in the way of each other," Mr Cook said.