Donald Trump wants India to help US with Afghanistan 'goals'; warns Pakistan for support to terror

NEW DELHI: India could step up its reconstruction and development initiatives in Afghanistan in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s call asking Delhi to take greater responsibilities in reconstructing the war-torn landlocked country.

The central government reacted positively to Trump’s new Afghanistan policy and indicated that New Delhi might expand its development-oriented role in this SAARC member state in keeping with traditional friendship with Kabul. However, New Delhi pointed out that it will carry out its activities in partnership with other countries. This would indicate that India would continue to engage in a regional approach in collaboration with Russia, Iran and Central Asian states besides SCO framework in stabilising Afghanistan besides USA.

“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. We are 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,” MEA noted within hours of Trump’s public statement.

However, it did not spell out specifics or broad areas of its future projects. Earlier Trump had announced that he wants to further develop strategic partnership with India to achieve his country's goals in Afghanistan, but emphasised that he wants Delhi to take greater responsibilities in reconstructing the war-torn country.