WASHINGTON: The United States welcomed Pakistan’s decision to calmly resolve the issue over an Indian military helicopter’s violation of Pakistani airspace, saying that improved dialogue between the two countries helped them avert an incident.
A military chopper carrying Indian officers violated the Pakistani airspace on Sunday and was forced to land on Pakistan’s territory, miles away from the UN-monitored Line of Control in Kashmir.
But the Pakistani authorities resolved the issue in a peaceful manner, allowing the helicopter and military officers return to their base after sometime.
State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland said at the daily briefing that it is “very, very important” that such incidents are prevented from happening.
“My understanding is this was actually, as these things go, a relatively good news story, that as a result of the increased dialogue between India and Pakistan and the fact that they have reestablished some hotlines and emergency procedures, they were able to speak directly, thereby avoiding an incident,” the spokesperson said.
“So that’s a very, very good step, and the kind of step and the kind of progress we hope to see continue,” Nuland added.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will testify before Congress on Thursday on her visit to Pakistan and Afghanistan last week and the Obama administration’s approach to way forward in the region.
“She’s testifying on Afghanistan and Pakistan, so I think you’ll hear her strike many of the themes that she struck on her recent trip and report to the Congress on that trip and on the road forward,” Nuland said.
COMMENTS (19)
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@Meekal Ahmed: "As I said, the last time we strayed into Indian airspace (some say we did not but were close to the border) they shot the aircraft out of the sky and killed everyone. In peace-time"
You do realize that the incident you refer to was in late 1999 - soon after Kargill. TO remind you during Pargill, Pakistan sent commissioned soldiers to India but pretended they were mujahideens. Tehcnically due to unilateral ceasefire by Pakistan that was peace time. But the 2 situations are not at all comparable.
Lets pray the US does not intervene in practical to destroy the climate of goodwill created by this gesture.
@Adnan:
Man, you must live in La-La Land.
WHERE is the investigation report? What did it reveal? Navigation error? Low on fuel? Technical defect? Bad weather? Lousy GPS? A bad pilot who didn't even know he was over the LOC?
How do you know the helicopter was "forced" to land? Was it intercepted by our jets? In the mountainous terrain that constitutes the Northern Areas? Ever been there?
As I said, the last time we strayed into Indian airspace (some say we did not but were close to the border) they shot the aircraft out of the sky and killed everyone. In peace-time.
If WE had violated Indian airspace and landed in one of their airfields, they would do what they are doing to the returning crew: pleace them on leave and conduct an investigation. That is simply standard procedure. It is done even on the civilian side with, for example, PIA pilots.
You don't enjoy tea and crumpets and wave them good-bye leaving all of us wondering what the hell happened. Except for you who has read the investigation report which says we intercepted the errant helicopter and "forced it down".
@Meekal Ahmed:
That speed was due to typical American intervention; it is so obvious! I detract nothing from the fine gesture of the Pakistanis, of course.
Besides, the way this event was handled certainly sets a precedent worth following during peace-time if any infractions of airspace in future by either side.takes place
@Meekal Ahmed: Dude... they conducted an investigation before letting the chopper go......and have you even read the news properly??? They did have an idea that the chopper had violated our airspace...Infact our foces were the ones who FORCED them to land after the violation.If anything, it is applaudible the way they handled the matter , completing the invstigation in a matter of hours and letting them go
FRIENDS FOREVER??? What a joke! But yes we Pakistanis want to live with peace if only we're left alone and Indians and CIA and Mossad start minding their own business and India quits building dams to block our waters!!!
Definitely a positive and admirable step from across the border. Thanks
I am all for "calm" and friendship with India but this decision was WRONG. It is standard procedure all over the world and well understood that in case of an airspace violation, you carry out a proper investigation and establish the cause of the incident.
Only after such an investigation has been conducted do you do the right thing and let the errant aircraft and crew go.
I suspect we had NO idea about the deviation into our airspace and because of weather, a navigation error or a mechanical defect, or because he was running out of fuel, the pilot did what he is trained to do: land at the nearest suitable airport -- even if it was across the LOC! You save lives and the equipment first and worry about the complications later.
There must have been a sense of stunned disbelief when the helicopter was re-fueled, they had some chai, and were told they could go!
i also think of the time when we will commend USA for not sticking its butt around in other countries affairs
pk india are mature enuff to solve their problems themselves, mostly....=)
Well We Pakistanis always look for the peace...its just we don't get positive answer from other end...Peace must prevail..
Time to bury the hatchet! After all we are cousins & learn to live like brothers. War & hatred will only bring problems to both countries. Let's fight against injustices, religious intolerance, corruption and other evils. Invest in education & health services instead of arms.
@Paras Vikmani:
You are welcome , all positive minded Indians....
I dream of a "Pakistan-Indian Salvation Army".....................let the love for our Neighbour(Ham-Saya= Our Shadow) be the measure of our daily life.
Good Job, And Ms Nuland, commending pakistan means everytime pakistan does right thing it is appreciated.
@Paras Vikmani: Its alright.
Vienna,27-10-2011 Just wait what Hillary Clinton has to say. After all Pakistan is sovereign.Gen Musharraf is insisting on "his rights" in the heart of The United States of America even though he is in exile.Indicative of conradictions to good news. Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media Monitoring TTTMM India --Kulamarva Balakrishna
A very happy story
Thank you Pakistan :)