Terming India as an “essential partner” in Afghanistan, the US has asserted that the two countries share the view that the peace process in the war-torn country should be Afghan-led.
“From the US perspective, India is an essential partner in a peaceful, stable and a prosperous Afghanistan,” a senior administration official told reporters on Friday during a conference call ahead of Vice- President Joe Biden’s India trip starting Monday.
“India’s role is characterised by a number of different features. One would be important role as a development partner and supporting economic development of Afghanistan, also supporting institutions of the Afghan State and facilitating commercial investment in the country,” he said, adding India and the US closely consult on issues related to Afghanistan.
During his trip to India, Biden would convey to the Indian leadership the US’ “view that the necessary outcome of any Afghan-led process that involves the Taliban has to be breaking with al-Qaeda, renouncing violence and abiding by the terms of the Afghan constitution,” the official said. PTI