Lalit Mansingh was visiting the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and North Carolina State University when he said relations between the United States and India remain strong because both are committed to rooting out terrorism - particularly Al-Qaida.

"It has not diminished our relationship, it has made it more intense," he said in an interview. "We are facing the same enemy."

The U.S. State Department urged the 60,000 Americans in India, including hundreds of U.S. diplomats and their families, to leave the country because of a risk of conflict and said part of US’ worry was based on the nuclear threat.

The advisory, which is not a mandatory order, said terrorist groups linked to Al-Qaida have attacked and killed civilians in India.

"I don't think the situation justifies asking Americans to leave India," he said. "I have told the State Department that this shouldn't be seen as a sign of panic because there is no such thing in India. There is no panic."

Mansingh said India doesn't want war and won't fire nuclear weapons first.

"While the military option is there, that should be our very last option," he added.

- nriol.com report

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