Washington: On a day when two Indian soldiers were killed by Pakistan military, the US on Tuesday hoped that the two countries would work together to maintain peace and stability in the region.
"We all hope, our Pakistani and Indian partners hope, that we can maintain peace and stability in the region. The Secretary (of Defense) has affirmed that on visits throughout that region, including to India," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters.
The issue of tensions, historical tensions between India and Pakistan, is one that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, knows very well, he said in response to a question. "On the issue of terrorism, let me say that we stand with everyone in the world to include those in India and in Pakistan who take a very hard line against terrorists who want to kill civilians, whether it's Pakistani, Indian or American civilians," Little said.
"We have all been affected by terrorism, and we believe that there needs to be a united front against terrorist groups operating in that region of the world and in others, he added.
Department officials have had regular dialogue with Indian counterparts, he said. "As you know, Deputy Secretary (of Defense, Ashton) Carter has been asked to take on the role of looking at how we might be able to facilitate transfers more effectively and more efficiently with the government of India. And that process is ongoing," Little said.
In a "provocative" attack, Pakistani regular soldiers crossed into Indian territory in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir and ambushed an Indian patrol killing two soldiers, one of whom was decapitated.
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