Washington, June 13 -- The US needs to have a relationship with both India and Pakistan because of the latter's military's role in countering the threat from Islamic State-Khorasan Province, a top American general has said in remarks that are unlikely to go down well in New Delhi.

The US Central Command chief, General Michael Kurilla, described Pakistan as a "phenomenal partner" in counter-terrorism during a hearing by the House Armed Services Committee. His remarks come at a time when India has intensified its efforts to highlight Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

During his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Kurilla, who is set to retire this summer...