'US to rely on India, NDN if Pak doesn't re-open NATO supply routes'

Washington, Mar 31(ANI): The US will have to rely on India and the Northern Distribution Network (NDN) if Pakistan fails to re-open NATO supply routes, a military official has said.

Deputy Commandant for installations and logistics Marine Corps Lieutenant General (Lt. Gen.) Frank Panter told lawmakers that relying on the NDN are expensive propositions and added that negotiations with Pakistan regarding re- opening of supply routes are still underway.

Lt Gen Panter said the re-deployment timelines would also increase if Pakistan does not re-open the supply route, The Express Tribune reports.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics Army Lieutenant General Raymond Mason told the subcommittee that "Pakistan's ground routes are critical and they have been closed since November. The good news is that our logistic situation is in very good shape, because of good planning"

"The NDN is three to four times more expensive, because it is three to four times lengthier," he added. (ANI)