WASHINGTON, March 23: The US decision to award the status of a major non-NATO ally to Pakistan underscores the country's role in the war against terrorism, the State Department said on Tuesday.

In a statement issued here, the department recalled that during a visit to Islamabad last week, Secretary of State Colin Powell announced the US intention to pursue major Non-NATO ally status for Pakistan.

This decision underscored the importance of Pakistan's role in the war against international terrorism, particularly in the continuing fight against Al Qaeda and the Taliban, the department said.

The department hoped that the granting of major non-NATO ally status will facilitate cooperation between the United States and Pakistan in the war against terrorism. In the same statement, the State Department also emphasized the importance of America's relationship with India and recalled that the two countries were already engaged in a strategic partnership.

The statement reviews the outcome of Mr. Powell's just concluded visit to South Asia and reminds both India and Pakistan that the United States continues to build strong bilateral relationships with both.

The statement follows India's harsh reaction to the US decision to grant a major non-NATO ally status to Pakistan without consulting New Delhi. India was particularly upset because Mr Powell visited New Delhi before travelling to Islamabad to announce the decision, but failed to mention it to the Indian leaders.

The State Department recalled that in his meetings in India, Mr Powell expressed satisfaction with the growing United States-India Strategic Partnership in several wide-ranging areas.