Welcoming India's decision to reduce troop strength in Jammu and Kashmir, a top US military official has said de-tensioning of that border is absolutely critical to the long-term stability of the region.

"I really do believe that de-tensioning that (Kashmir) border is absolutely critical to the long term stability in that region. And it is going to take outreach on the part of both countries (India and Pakistan)," Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told newsmen here.