6th June, 2012, Washington: Before the India – United States strategic dialogue which is scheduled for next week in Washington, Pentagon has called India a global power and they have also praised India for its continuing support in Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, John Kirby, the Department of Defence spokesperson told, “India is a global power, and they are meeting their responsibilities and we welcome that,”
When questioned about reports that Leon Panetta, the US Defense Secretary will ask India to take more responsibilities in Afghanistan, Kirby replied that the reports have been exaggerated.
“I don’t believe the secretary asked them to impress them to do more, rather than expressed how much he appreciated the work they were doing to help provide support in Afghanistan and some of the things that that they have expressed interest in continuing to do in Afghanistan, but also in the region,” told Kirby.
“And so I think it was really more a statement of appreciation for everything they’ve done and the hope that they’ll continue to stay involved as a leader in the region,” added John Kirby.
In the mean time, Mark Toner told that they are looking ahead to next week’s very important meeting. They believe that the relationship with India is very strong and positive.
