WASHINGTON, June 10: The United States on Monday welcomed an apparent easing of tensions between India and Pakistan, but warned the crisis between the two nuclear armed neighbours was not yet over.

“We welcome signs that tensions are beginning to lessen,” said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.

“These include positive statements by the leadership of both countries, and now India’s announcement that Pakistani aircraft can resume flights over Indian territory.

“Armies on both sides remain mobilized, however, and both sides need to continue to seek to lower tension.”

Washington has taken a major role in coordinating the international effort to pull India and Pakistan back from the brink of war.

India lifted the overflight ban on Pakistani aircraft with immediate effect Monday after acknowledging a reduction in infiltration of Islamic militants into disputed Kashmir, the issue at the core of the India-Pakistan crisis.—AFP