US encourages Pakistan and India to resume dialogue to 'reduce tension'

State department spokesperson expresses concern over government’s crackdown on NGO Save the Children

The United States, while declining to comment on India’s surgical strikes on militants in Myanmar, has asked India and Pakistan to resume dialogue in order to reduce tension in the region.

"I don't have a comment on that specific operation," US State Department spokesperson Jeff Rathke said, while responding to reporters when asked if the US supported or was concerned over India's cross-border strike in Myanmar. He added, "We encourage India and Pakistan to take steps to reduce tensions and to move towards resuming talks.”

PHOTO: AFP

Read: After Myanmar strike: Indian minister issues not-so-veiled threat to Pakistan

"The relationship between India and Pakistan is critical to advancing peace and stability in South Asia, so we welcome any steps India and Pakistan can take to reduce tensions and move toward resuming dialogue," Rathke said.

"We encourage India and Pakistan to take those kinds of steps, and we believe that India and Pakistan each have a mutual interest in addressing the threat posed by violent extremism and terrorism," he said.

Save the Children

The spokesperson also expressed his concern over the government’s crackdown on NGO Save the Children.

PHOTO: AFP

Rathke could not mention whether the issue had been discussed in Islamabad, but said reiterated that “it’s certainly a matter of concern to us.”

Read: ‘Uncharitable’ affairs: Save the Children office sealed in Islamabad

"Save the Children is an international nongovernment organisation. They do important work," he said.

Rathke also did not have an update on expression of similar concern over India blacklisting some NGOs a few weeks ago.

"We expressed our concerns and we've raised those with the Indian authorities. I don't have an update to offer here."

Previously, Department Spokesperson John Kirby said that the US was “concerned about Pakistan's crackdown on international charitable organisations and other NGOs."

This article originally appeared on NDTV.