Chuck Hagel says India financed problems for Pakistan, shocks India, Barack Obama in line of fire

"We do not view our engagement with Afghanistan as a zero sum game," the Embassy said.

Hagel's remarks are in sharp contrast to viewpoint of Obama Administration that has always been in praise of India's developmental role in Afghanistan and in fact has been pressing New Delhi to do more in Afghanistan.

Significantly, a deeply divided Senate is in the process of voting on US President's contentious nominee to head the Defence Department.

The Embassy said India and the US have a shared perspective and a deep convergence of interests for ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

"We will continue to work to help the Afghan people build a peaceful, prosperous, democratic and inclusive future for themselves in an environment free from terror and intimidation," the statement said.

The unearthing of anti-India comment by Hagel provided another ammunition to the Republican Senators to oppose his confirmation which is slated to come up today.

Once published, the news item was sent by the office of powerful Republican Senator John Cornyn, who is among the leading opponent of twice wounded Vietnam veteran's confirmation.

"In light of our shared interest in the US-India relationship, thought you would want to see this," said the email sent by Cornyn's office to top Indian American community leaders. Cornyn is Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus.

"I am surprised and shocked. We did not know the story and background of Senator Hagel on India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. I think Indian Community needs to work on to see how we can help to

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