Pakistan-based militant groups operating in Kashmir pose a persistent threat to stability in South Asia, a top American intelligence official has warned, even as he called India a 'reliable ally' in the fight against global terrorism.
"Pakistani militant groups - primarily focussed on the Kashmiri conflict - represent a persistent threat to regional stability and US interests in South Asia and the Near East. They also pose a potential threat to our interests worldwide," John Negroponte, National Intelligence Director told US lawmakers on Thursday.
In prepared remarks to the Senate Intelligence Committee examining a range of threats to the US, Negroponte stressed that New Delhi will continue to be a 'reliable ally' against global terrorism, 'in part because India has been a frequent target for Islamic terrorists, mainly in Kashmir'.
He also observed that India was seeking to play a key role in fostering democracy in the region, particularly in Nepal and Bangladesh.
Even while referring to Paksitan as a frontline state in the war on terror, Negroponte said Islamabad also remains 'a major source of extremism', that poses a threat to General Musharraf, the United States, India and Afghanistan.
Pakistan is the place 'where many of our most important interests intersect' the top official pointed out, adding, however, that Musharraf has made only 'limited progress' in moving his country down a democratic path.
Negroponte maintained that India was seeking better relations with its two main rivals, Pakistan and China, recognising that its regional disputes with them were 'hampering' the larger goals in the international arena.
"Nevertheless, like China, India is using its newfound wealth and technical capabilities to extend its military reach," he said.
"Since India and Pakistan approached the brink of war in 2002, their peace process has lessened tensions and both appear committed to improving the bilateral relationship. A number of confidence-building measures, including new transportation links, have helped sustain the momentum. Still, the fact that both have nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver them entails obvious and dangerous risks of escalation," Negroponte told law makers.
In the realm of economics and business, Negroponte said India was emerging as a 'new pole of greater Asia's surging economic and political power'.
He said New Delhi's rapid economic growth and increasing technological competence are securing its lead role in South Asia, even while helping the country to realise its longstanding ambition of becoming a global power.
"India's growing confidence on the world stage as a result of its increasingly globalised business activity will make New Dehi a more effective partner for the United States, but also a more formidable player on such issues as those before the World Trade Organisation," the intelligence czar told law makers.
As Indian multinationals become more prevalent, they will offer not only cooperation but also competition to the US in the areas of energy, steel and pharmaceuticals.
"New Delhi's pursuit of energy to fuel its rapidly growing economy adds to pressure on world prices and increases the likelihood that it will seek to augment its programmes in nuclear power, coal technologies and petroleum exploration," Negroponte said.
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