NEW DELHI, Nov 4 � 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, reports PTI.
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.
