Voicing concern that a conflict between India and Pakistan could escalate to include nuclear weapons, the US has asked the two countries to engage in a “sustained” bilateral dialogue process and exercise “maximum restraint” to boost peace. Such an advice from US comes aftermath of the concern over nuclear and missile developments in South Asia and the recent statement of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, that Islamabad has the ability to target New Delhi in five minutes. America has made the stand very clear about that India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) regime will not trigger any arms race in the continent but has raised apprehension over the recent development. There are increased security challenges that accompany growing stockpiles and the increased risk that a conventional conflict between India and Pakistan could escalate to include nuclear use. It is important that there be a sustained and resilient dialogue process between the two neighbours, and that all parties in the region continuously act with maximum restraint and work collaboratively towards reducing tensions. Improvements in Indo-Pak bilateral relations would greatly enhance prospects for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Such an apprehension comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US on 7th June at the invitation of US President Barak Obama holds importance and concern. America wants to make this visit of Modi a successful one in India-US relations with both reviewing the progress made in key areas of defence, security and energy. Modi will also address a Joint Meeting of the US Congress. The Prime Minister will embark on a five-nation visit from 4th June which will cover Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico.