Pentagon report a manifestation of Pakistan's support to terrorism: India

NEW DELHI: India today described Pentagon's report that Pakistan was using militant groups as proxies to counter the superior Indian military a manifestation of growing acknowledgment globally of the extent of the neighbouring country's involvement in international terrorism.

In a blunt assessment of terrorist safe havens in Pakistan, the Pentagon has told the US Congress that "Afghan- and Indian-focused militants continue to operate from Pakistan territory to the detriment of Afghan and regional stability."

"Pakistan uses these proxy forces to hedge against the loss of influence in Afghanistan and to counter India's superior military," the Pentagon told in its latest six- monthly report on the current situation in Afghanistan.

Reacting to the Pentagon report, official spokesperson in External Affairs Ministry Syed Akbaruddin said, "It manifests a growing acknowledgment in the international community of the extent of Pakistan's involvement in international terrorism."

In its report running into more than 100 pages, the Pentagon further added that "These relationships run counter to Pakistan's public commitment to support Afghan-led reconciliation. Such groups continue to act as the primary irritant in Afghan-Pakistan bilateral relations" and referred to the attack on the Indian Consulate in Herat, which it said was done just ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.