US welcomes India's steps to restore normalcy in J&K

The United States on Wednesday welcomed the steps taken by New Delhi to return the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to full economic and political normalcy consistent with India's democratic values. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said the US, at the same time, continues to follow developments in Jammu and Kashmir closely. The US policy with regard to Kashmir has not changed, Price told reporters at his daily news conference. The US continues to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern, Price said.