United States State Department spokesperson Ned Price has said that the US supports constructive dialogue and meaningful conversation between India and Pakistan. He reiterated that it’s New Delhi and Islamabad to decide on the nature of that dialogue.

US to play its role: Ned Price

According to him, the US is all set to play its role if both countries agree to it.

Responding to the question, the spokesperson has refused any meditating role for the US in the Indo-Pak dialogue.

In his daily press conference, Price said, “Because these are decisions for the countries themselves. If they agree on a particular role for the United States, the United States is prepared to, as a partner to both countries, support that process in any way that we responsibly can.”

“Analysts believe that the United States has the power and authority to mediate between the two partners. Pakistan and India are partners of yours, so why don’t you just mediate?” he was asked.

‘We support constructive dialogue’

Further, he responded, “Ultimately, it is not for the United States to determine the modalities or the way in which India and Pakistan engage one another. What we support is constructive dialogue, meaningful diplomacy between India and Pakistan, in the first instance to resolve longstanding conflicts.”

The US state department spokesperson said that the US supports constructive dialogue. ” We support diplomacy between India and Pakistan to resolve, again, another set of longstanding disputes. We are a partner and willing to support that process in any way that they deem appropriate. But ultimately, these are decisions that India and Pakistan themselves are going to have to make,” he added.

Also Read: US Intelligence Community Fears India’s Conflict With Pakistan And China

Real Pak provocation under PM Modi’s leadership

Price statements just come a day after a report by US intelligence said Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups and India is more likely to use military force on “real Pakistani provocation” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Relations between India and Pakistan have often been strained over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.