India, Pak share a number of crucial interests: US

Encouraged by the possibility of talks between India and Pakistan, the Obama administration has said the two south Asian neighbours share a number of important interests -- from tackling terrorism to encouraging trade.

Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs P J Crowley, however, said it was for both countries to decide on their future course of action.

"We have always encouraged dialogue between Pakistan and India. Of course, this is a decision for both countries to make on their own," Crowley said at his daily press briefing.

But in our various discussions with leaders from Pakistan and India, we have long encouraged them to resume the kind of dialogue that the two countries have had at various times in the past, he said.

Crowley said India and Pakistan are two important neighbours in south Asia and share a number of interests in the region.

"Well, you know, these are two very important countries. They're neighbours. They share a number of important interests; you know, fighting terrorism on the one hand, encouraging trade on the other," he said.

So I think if we can, to the degree that India and Pakistan can cooperate, can have peaceful dialogue, can develop opportunities between the countries, that can only help in the broader regional context of including, our joint efforts on security in south Asia, he added.