WASHINGTON: The Trump administration on Thursday blamed Pakistan for deteriorating India-Pak relations and warned that the ties might worsen further if another "high- profile" terrorist attack emanates from across the border this year. "Easing of heightened India-Pak tension , including negotiations to renew official dialogue, will probably hinge in 2017 on a sharp and sustained reduction of cross-border attacks by terrorist groups based in Pakistan and progress in the Pathankot investigation ," Coats said.Last year, heavily-armed terrorists sneaked in from across the border and attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station in Punjab. The attack had claimed the lives of seven security personnel while four terrorists were killed.Coats said Pakistan is concerned about its international isolation due to its dwindling position against India's rising international status, expanded foreign outreach and deepening ties with the US. ""The threat to the US and the West from Pakistani-based terrorist groups will be persistent but diffuse. "Pakistan's pursuit of tactical nuclear weapons potentially lowers the threshold for their use," Coats warned.

Source: Times of India May 12, 2017 03:29 UTC