US wants India to support Pak efforts against militants

As Pakistan military is poised to roll on a major offensive to smash Taliban and al-Qaeda stronghold in the country's restive northwest, secretary of state Hillary Clinton has hoped that India and US will support Islamabad's effort to take on terrorists on its own soil.

"As Pakistan now works to take on the challenge of terrorists in its own country, I'm confident that India as well as US will support those efforts," Clinton said while welcoming a dialogue between the two neighbours.
      
While declaring that it was for India and Pakistan to decide the pace, scope and character of the dialogue, Clinton said, "Of course, we believe that India and Pakistan actually face a number of common challenges."
      
Saying the shape of the dialogue is something that Indian and Pakistani leaders will decide on their own terms and in their own time, she said, "we welcome a dialogue between them."
       
The US secretary of state said Washington and New Delhi had a "common interest" in creating a stable and peaceful Afghanistan where India is already providing a USD 1.2 billion assistance towards reconstruction effort.
       
"US is committed to the task ahead in Afghanistan, and I hope India wil continue its effort their as well," she said.

Clinton's remarks come as Pakistani forces are preparing a major offensive into the Waziristan to target the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud.