WASHINGTON  – US State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert has on Thursday asked nuclear-arch rivals India and Pakistan to continue to engage in direct talks aimed at reducing tensions between the two countries.

In her daily press briefing in Washington, she said “I think one of the things that we would do is ask or encourage India and Pakistan to sit down together and engage in direct dialogue that is aimed at reducing tensions between both of those countries.”

She said that the US policy on Kashmir dispute has not changed and the US also continues to encourage both sides to sit down and hold talks for resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The state department spokesperson said that the United Sates will continue to support practical cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan on issues of mutual concern.