Relationship with India, Pakistan not a 'zero-sum game': Pentagon

We have security interests with India that stand alone and stand apart, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said

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 on Monday.

The issue was clarified by US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter during his trip to India last month, 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 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," Cook said.