WASHINGTON: The US State Department has confirmed that it was aware of the arrest of Indian spy agency ‘RAW’ agent, Kulbhushan Yadav’s arrest in Pakistan.

In a daily press briefing, Mark Toner, Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department said, “I am aware of the reports about the arrest, however, I don’t have anything – any details of the arrest.”

To a question about frozen of peace talks between Pakistan and India, Toner said it has been longstanding position of the US that India and Pakistan stand to benefit from the normalization of relations and practical cooperation. “We encourage them to do so, to engage in direct dialogue that’s aimed at reducing tensions between the two governments and two countries.”

The deputy spokesman went on to say that US strongly support those efforts because it lead to greater stability and peace in the region which is to the benefit of both countries.

Reply to another query, Mark Toner said, “Our policy regarding Kashmir has not changed. As we’ve long said, the pace, scope, and character of those discussions or any discussions on Kashmir must be for the two sides to determine.”

“We support any and all positive steps that India and Pakistan can take to forge closer relations.”