"US partnership with India should not..." Pak Defence Minister rattled by PM Modi’s US state visit

The rising US-India relationship has shaken the cash-strapped nation, Pakistan to its core. Despite focusing on its own problems, the crisis-hit nation is worried about India’s growing footprint globally. Ahead of PM Modi’s state visit to US, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif ‘cautions’ US regarding its relationship with India. During an interview with US media Newsweek, Asif said that ‘India’s partnership with US should not come at cost of Pakistan’. Asif also called for an understanding from Washington DC, stressing the importance of not pushing Pakistan into making difficult choices. The Pak Defence Minister also emphasised the need for the bilateral partnership between two countries to flourish despite past disappointments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a six-day visit to the USA and Egypt beginning June 20. PM Modi’s visit is noteworthy as it is the first official state visit since he assumed office in 2014. During his US visit, he will lead the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga at UN Headquarters in New York on June 21. The Prime Minister will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22 and meet US President Joe Biden