Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has dispelled reports of joint operations with the US against militants in North Waziristan, saying Pakistan alone would decide the timing of any offensive in the tribal region according to its military requirements.
"The Afghans do not have that capability yet. It's one of the enablers that we are trying to build into them before we leave," Gen James Mattis, Commander of US Central Command, told members of the powerful House Armed Services Committee.
A top United States general has recommended about 14,000 troops to be present in the war-torn Afghanistan even as Afghan forces take charge of the country's security.
Presence of terror safe havens in Pakistan, aggressive Chinese behaviour and the Afghanistan situation dominated last month's meeting between James Mattis and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval
If confirmed by the Senate, the 67-year-old career military officer would be the first African-American to lead the Department of Defence.
Doval will meet US Defence Secretary James Mattis on March 24, Pentagon spokesman Capt Jeff Davis told reporters, adding that they are likely to discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and those related to the defence relationship.
During the election campaign Trump had said Clinton would be in jail if he won the elections. He now faces the consternation of supporters who took that pledge literally.
Mattis applauded India's efforts to promote stability in the South Asia region, said Pentagon Spokesperson
This was the first dinner hosted for a foreign dignitary at the White House under the Trump administration.
"Every action we take will be designed to ensure our military is ready to fight today and in the future," Mattis said on Friday in a message to department of defense soon after he was being sworn in as head of the Pentagon by Vice President Mike Pence at the White House.
Modi and Trump will meet at 1.20 am (IST) following which they will have delegation talks and then a dinner.
US defence secy James Mattis said that Syria will pay a 'very, very stiff price' if it used chemical weapons again.
The order also prevents all persons from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen from entering the country for 30 days.
Trump attended his first address to the annual National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday.
"This will be the first dinner for a foreign dignitary at the White House under this administration. So, we think that's very significant," a senior administration official told reporters at the White House on the eve of Modi's arrival.
Nick Ayers, the 36-year-old chief of staff to the vice-president Mike Pence, is Kelly's likely successor.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi assured the Secretary of State that his country is committed to the war against terrorism.