US wants diplomatic solution to North Korea problem: Mattis

US wants to resolve the North Korean problem diplomatically, visiting Defence Secretary James Mattis said on Tuesday.

Addressing a joint press conference with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Mattis said he appreciated India's effort along with the international community to increase pressure against North Korea over "its dangerous and destabilising behaviour".

"We maintain the capability to deter North Korea's most dangerous threats but also to back up our diplomats in a manner that keeps this as long as possible in the diplomatic realm," he said in response to a question.

"That is our goal, to solve this diplomatically, and I believe President (Donald) Trump has been very clear on this issue," he said.

India had condemned the nuclear test conducted by North Korea early in September.

--IANS

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