New Delhi: Asserting that Indo-US relationship stands on its own, American Ambassador to India David Mulford feels New Delhi is not justified in contending that designation of Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status to Pakistan would adversely impact its ties with Washington.

Going a step further, he argued that MNNA status for Pakistan "isn't an absolutely huge strategic issue" and that it was "not in the same league" as the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership being discussed by the US and India.

"India-US relationship is a relationship which stands on its own. Just as the US relationship with Pakistan stands on its own. I don't think it is reasonable that every single issue has to be viewed through the prism of the other relationship," Mulford said in an interview to 'Outlook' magazine.

Taking a serious note of the announcement of MNNA status for Pakistan made by US Secretary of State Colin Powell in Islamabad, two days after his talks here with Indian leaders, New Delhi had said that it has "significant implications" for Indo-US relations.

India had also voiced it disappointment over Powell not sharing the move when he was here.

Mulford took the line that Powell did not inform his Indian interlocutors of the decision because Washington wasn't sure whether Pakistan would accept the status.