Washington's top military official has called for closer cooperation between the U.S. and Indian armed forces to help bring stability to troubled South Asia.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine General Peter Pace, made the comment following talks in New Delhi with the heads of India's military and Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee. General Pace said the United States and India must find ways to convince their friends that they can work together, and also convince their potential enemies that they are capable of defending themselves.
After decades of Cold War mistrust, military ties between the U.S. and India have warmed considerably, and the two sides have been building a strategic partnership. Political relations also have improved since the two countries signed a landmark civilian nuclear deal during a visit by President Bush to New Delhi in March.