In a high-level meeting between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, India and the United States jointly called on Pakistan to prevent its territory from being used as a base for militant attacks, as per reports.

Pakistan's foreign ministry issued an official statement expressing its disapproval of the joint US-Indian statement, deeming it unwarranted, one-sided, and misleading. The reference to Islamabad in the statement was seen as contrary to diplomatic norms.

The ministry expressed surprise at the joint statement, highlighting the close counterterrorism cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. The statement by Biden and Modi emphasized their strong condemnation of cross-border terrorism, the use of terrorist proxies, and urged Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that its controlled territory is not utilized for launching terrorist attacks.

In response to the statement, Pakistan's foreign ministry accused India of leveraging allegations of extremism against Islamabad as a diversion from the situation in Kashmir and the treatment of minorities in India. For years, India has accused Pakistan of orchestrating militant attacks within its borders, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks that claimed the lives of over 165 people.

Furthermore, India contends that Pakistan has provided support to Islamist militants who have engaged in clashes with Indian security forces in its portion of Kashmir since the late 1980s. Pakistan vehemently denies these allegations, asserting that it solely offers diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiris in their pursuit of self-determination.

In 2019, the special status of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked, leading to its division into two federally controlled territories. Pakistan considers these actions illegal and calls for their reversal.

During the meeting, Biden accorded a warm welcome to Modi, and both leaders highlighted the defense and commerce agreements their countries have reached to counter China's growing global influence, as per Reuters. Pakistan expressed deep concern over the planned transfer of advanced military technologies to India, contending that such steps would hinder the attainment of peace in South Asia.

India and Pakistan have had strained relations for decades. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1947, the two nations have engaged in three wars, two of which were fought over the Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir. Both countries claim the entire region, yet exercise control over separate parts.

Modi's US Visit: Semiconductor Announcements to Generate 100K Jobs

Modi Wishes USA Cricket team: Expanding Popularity of the Sport in America

Modi's Foreign Policy, India Earns Trust as Global Partner: Vaishnaw