WASHINGTON: India is moving towards isolating Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive actions against Islamabad for its alleged support to cross border terrorism , a top American defence intelligence chief has told lawmakers. "Continued threat of high level terror attacks in India, violence in Kashmir and bilateral diplomatic recriminations will further strain India-Pakistan ties in 2017," he said.Following a terrorist attack on an Army base Kashmir last September, New Delhi conducted a highly publicised operation against militants across the Line of Control, he added. "Anti-Pakistan groups probably will respond to this sustained pressure by focusing their efforts against soft targets," he said.Noting that Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow, Stewart said the US is concerned that this growth, as well as an evolving doctrine and inherent security issues associated with Pakistan's developing tactical nuclear weapons, presents an enduring risk. "China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases, which will enhance its presence and its ability to control the features and nearby maritime space. "In addition to the Rocket Force's fielding of an anti ship ballistic missile, China is fielding an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of conducting conventional and nuclear strikes against ground targets in the Asia-Pacific region as far away as Guam," he said.

Source: Economic Times May 24, 2017 02:37 UTC