US calls for improvement in Indo-Pak ties

The US has expressed concern over nuclear and missile developments in South Asia, saying sustained dialogue between the two neighbours is important

The US has called for improvement in bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan, expressing concern over nuclear and missile developments in South Asia, saying a sustained and resilient dialogue process between the two neighbours is important.

"We are concerned by nuclear and missile developments in South Asia," a State Department Spokesman told PTI when asked about the recent statement of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, 80, the father of Pakistan's nuclear program, that Islamabad has the ability to target New Delhi in five minutes.

"We are concerned by the increased security challenges that accompany growing stockpiles and the increased risk that a conventional conflict between India and Pakistan could escalate to include nuclear use," the spokesman said.

Improvements in Indo-Pak bilateral relations would greatly enhance prospects for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region, the official said yesterday.

"It is important that there be a sustained and resilient dialogue process between the two neighbours, and that all parties in the region continuously act with maximum restraint and work collaboratively toward reducing tensions," the State Department spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the State Department said it is looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We look forward to the prime minister's visit and we want it to be successful," State Department John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference.

Modi will embark on a five-nation visit from June 4 which will cover Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico.

He will travel to the US on June 7 at the invitation of US President Barack Obama, with whom he will review the progress made in key areas of defence, security and energy. During his stay, he will also address a Joint Meeting of the US Congress.