'We think those steps have garnered the support of the Pakistani people and that that support in turn will help provide the basis for continued action to make sure that Pakistani soil is not used as a platform from which terrorist attacks can be launched against any of its neighbours.'

Denying that Clinton was trying to send a signal by not going to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Blake said: 'She is not really trying to send any signal at all. This is a trip where we're trying to focus on India and really highlight the new strategic partnership and again, all the people-to-people ties.

'But that doesn't mean that we attach any less importance to Pakistan and Afghanistan. There is already extensive high level engagement between the United States and the leaders of both of those countries.

'So we're not trying to send any signal at all, except at this stage to talk about our enhanced relationship with India. And I know that the secretary looks forward to an early opportunity to get out to both Afghanistan and Pakistan.'