US backs India's 'right to self-defence'

Supporting India's right to self-defence in the aftermath of the Uri attack, which was dubbed as a clear case of cross-border terrorism, the United States of America has dismissed the recent attempt by Pakistan to link peace in war-torn Afghanistan with the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The White House backed India's right to defend itself as with any other country, in view of the recent surgical strike+ but advised caution given the heavy militarisation between the two neighbours.militarisation between the two neighbours.

In an interview, senior White House official Peter Lavoy responded to a question on the Uri attack and said, "It (Uri) was a clear case of cross-border terrorism. We condemned this act of terrorism. It was a horrific attack. Every country has a right to self-defence. But in a heavily militarised relationship that has also experienced three wars, there is indeed a need for caution and restraint."

"We share with India, the concern for preventing any future attack. We empathise with the Indian position that it needs to respond militarily to a cross-border threat of terrorism. But we also advise caution," Lavoy said.

India and Pakistan have a "friction-filled relationship" and they have not found a way to overcome that, he said.

"We certainly do not believe that the situation in Afghanistan is linked with Kashmir," the top White House official further added.