Friday, May 13 2005 07:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Observing that the United States was cooperating with India on a global strategy of peace and Defence, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday (May 12, 2005) claimed that the US-led war on terror has put both India and Pakistan on the same side against extremism.

"The US-led global war on terrorism has put Pakistan and India on the same side against extremism. We have de-hyphenated our relationship with both the countries, building strong and independent ties with each," Rice said in an address to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"During my March trip to Pakistan and India, on behalf of President Bush I congratulated both countries for the steps they have taken toward warmer relations with each other," she said.

"With India, the world's largest democracy, we are cooperating on a global strategy for peace, and on Defence, energy and growth," Rice said.

"A few weeks ago, Indian Foreign Minister K Natwar Singh met with President Bush and they discussed ways we might accelerate our cooperation still further and we look forward to a July visit by Prime Minister Singh," the secretary of State said.

"At the same time that our relations with India have been moving forward we have the best relations with Pakistan, deepening our cooperation with Pakistan in the war on terrorism, supporting President Musharraf's modernization efforts and the liberalization of Pakistan's economy."