Military

US discusses Afghanistan, Pakistan policy with Indian officials

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, April 8, IRNA -- US Special Envoy Wednesday underlined the need that India and Pakistan need to work together with the US to face common threat of terrorism apart from addressing common challenges and common tasks in this region.

Ahead of implementing the newly prepared Afghan, Pakistan strategy, the special US envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke on Wednesday completed discussions and consultation with the governments in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi at the end of his visit to the region, Holbrooke said that extensive discussions were held with the senior Indian officials on the implementation of the strategy.

He sought a greater role for India in Afghanistan, at the same time saying it wouldn't pressurize New Delhi on its ties with Pakistan.

Holbrooke said that new US administration is working to accelerate the pace in relations in regional and strategic issues with India. He said these relations have so far been confined to bilateral level with a focus on trade investment and nuclear issues.

The US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan who arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday night held discussions with the National Security Adviser M K Narayanan and Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon.

Holbrooke was accompanied by the Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen.

Meanwhile, in reply to a question, Admiral Mike Mullen said challenges in the region were discussed in detail so that the newly formed policy is executed effectively.

Hailing the Indian policy in Afghanistan, he said that the new policy is not concentrating only on the military side but will adequately focus on civilian capacity and governance capacity building in Afghanistan.