Ruling out any solution from “outside” to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, US President Barack Obama on Sunday underlined that disputes between India and Pakistan could only be resolved by the two countries themselves.
Welcoming the Indo-Pak dialogue process, he said, “It is not the place of any nation, including the United States, to try to impose solutions from the outside. That said, nations must meet their responsibilities and all of us have a profound interest in a Pakistan that is stable, prosperous and democratic.” The US president was responding to a question on the current state of Indo-Pak relations and the best way forward for the two countries to resolve their bilateral matters, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Obama said the US welcomed any dialogue and lessening of Indo-Pak tensions, which would be good for South Asia and for the world. “President (Asif Ali) Zardari’s visit to India was encouraging. Increased trade and people-to-people contacts between Indians and Pakistanis can lead to greater prosperity and understanding on both sides.”
Obama said “efforts in New Delhi and Islamabad to improve relations give hope for further progress, including a possible visit to Pakistan by Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh”.
The US leader answered questions on the future of Afghanistan and India’s role in it, as well as the US strategy in the Asia-Pacific region which is seen by some commentators as aimed at making India a counterweight to the growing military and economic muscle of China.
“India will be critical to Afghanistan’s future,” he said pointing out that it had also been critical to Afghanistan’s progress to date. The US president said India’s generous contributions had helped train Afghan police, promote development and improve the lives of the Afghan people.
India was the first nation to forge a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Afghanistan, and India’s civil service could be a model as Afghans strengthen their own governance and institutions, he said.
Next year, in mid-2013, Afghan forces would take the lead for combat operations and coalition forces would have shifted from combat to support across the country and their troops would continue to come home, the US president said.
“By the end of 2014, the transition to Afghan lead for security will be complete so that Afghans can take responsibility for their own country. After 2014, NATO will continue to train, advice and assist and support Afghan forces as they grow stronger,” he said.
On commentators’ view that US wanted India to be a counterweight to China in the region, Obama said, “Our efforts are aimed at no nation. On the contrary, our increased engagement in the region — in concert with allies and partners — is designed to advance the security, prosperity and dignity of people all across the region.” He said the US valued its growing partnership with India because it advanced its mutual security — not as a counterweight to any nation.
“As I’ve said many times, the US welcomes the rise of a peaceful and prosperous China that contributes to regional and global security, prosperity and peace. That’s why we continue to pursue a cooperative relationship with China, including greater cooperation between our militaries so we’re promoting understanding and reducing the chances of miscalculation.”
