New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- Rajasthan Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Madan Rathore has triggered a political controversy after saying India would stand with Pakistan if a war broke out between Islamabad and the United States.

His remarks drew sharp criticism from the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), prompting questions over the BJP's position before Rathore issued a clarification.

Speaking at a programme in Jaipur, Rathore cited Pakistan's status as India's neighbour while discussing a hypothetical conflict between the two countries and the US.

"We all need to understand this. When it comes to India... If a war breaks out between the US and Pakistan today, we will stand with Pakistan because it is our neighbour," he said, acco...