India has welcomed United States of America President Donald Trump's pledge to enhance efforts to confront issues of safe havens and other forms of cross border support to terrorists in the Af-Pak region. In response to Trump's Afghanistan policy, the Government said on Tuesday that India shares these concerns and objectives.
“We welcome President Trump's determination to enhance efforts to overcome the challenges facing Afghanistan and confronting issues of safe havens and other forms of cross-border support enjoyed by terrorists. India shares these concerns and objectives,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
He added India is committed to supporting the government and the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity in their country. “We have been steadfast in extending reconstruction and development assistance to Afghanistan in keeping with our traditional friendship with its people. We will continue these efforts, including in partnership with other countries,” the spokesperson said.
Trump while ruling out a hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan nudged Pakistan to do more to eliminate terror safe havens and said: Pakistan is housing the same terrorists that we are fighting.” The US President, at the same time appreciated India's important contributions to stability in Afghanistan and sought an enhanced role for India to bring peace in the war-torn country.
Terming Trump's new Afghan Strategy as a 'Comprehensive One', Afghan Ambassador to India Dr Shaida Abdali said that it provides an opportunity to Pakistan to open a window for co-operation and partnership. “There is right opportunity for everyone including Pak to adhere to principles of state government to fight terrorism sincerely… I am glad options were clear if there's genuine fight against terrorism there is opportunity for partnership. But if there's lack of sincerity, action will be as it was spoken in his (Donald Trump) remarks,” Abdali said.