The United States asked India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through diplomacy and not through violence.

The White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said that, "We have continued to encourage India and Pakistan to find ways to resolve their differences, not through violence, but through diplomacy." "We have condemned violence, particularly terrorist attacks," he said.

The comments came in response to a question on India's decision of not attending the SAARC Summit in November in Islamabad, citing continuous cross border terrorism by Pakistan against India.

The State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner said that, "I would refer you to the Government of India to comment on their decision of not attending this meeting."

"What we have said many times from the podium is we want to see closer and normal relations between India and Pakistan," he said at his daily news conference.

"It would benefit the region. We want to see de-escalation in the political discourse between the two countries and greater communication and coordination between them," Toner said.

"It is in mutual interest for both the countries to put aside tensions and establish more normal channels of communication," the deputy spokesperson said.

"While we have seen Pakistan make progress on some of the terrorist groups operating within its own borders and carrying out attacks within its borders, we continue to put pressure on them to respond to those groups who are seeking safe haven on Pakistan's borders," Toner added.

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “In the prevailing circumstances”, the government is unable to participate in the November SAARC summit in Islamabad. Three other members Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan boycott SAARC meet in Pakistan following the India's step.

Also Read: India steps up pressure, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan boycott SAARC meet in Pakistan

Nandini