US helped avert possible S Asian nuke war: Powell

"We have since been trying to turn our parallel improvement of relations with India and Pakistan into a triangle of conflict resolution.

"We do not impose ourselves as a mediator. But we do try to use the trust we have established with both sides to urge them toward conciliation by peaceful means.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

"What the United States has done in South Asia is an example of turning adversity into opportunity," the Daily Times quotes Powell as saying in an article in the current issue of the Foreign Affairs.

He further goes on to say, "We want to help India overcome these challenges and we want to help ourselves through a closer association with one of the world's venerable cultures. We have therefore worked to deepen our relationship with India."

Simultaneously every effort has also been made not to ignore Pakistan as it continues to be seen as a strategic ally of Washington, Powell adds.

Meanwhile, the United States on Thursday hailed the restoration of rail ties between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan, saying it was one of several positive steps to build a base for broader rapprochement.

The State Department said the resumption in train service between the countries, along with the decision this week to increase staff at their respective embassies, were "remarkable developments" and evidence of "political courage" by the leaders of both countries.