The US and India share economic and humanitarian interests in Afghanistan, a top American diplomat on Tuesday said, but maintained silence on the security aspect of the Afghan-problem, which has been a big area of concern for New Delhi.
The US and India share economic and humanitarian interests in Afghanistan, a top American diplomat on Tuesday said, but maintained silence on the security aspect of the Afghan-problem, which has been a big area of concern for New Delhi.
During a Congressional hearing, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that India has allocated more than USD 3 billion in assistance to Afghanistan since 2001.
India further strengthened ties with Afghanistan with the signing of a Development Partnership Agreement last year, he said.
"We appreciate these contributions and will continue to look for more ways to work with India to promote economic growth and stability in Afghanistan," Sullivan said.
He said the US and India "share economic and humanitarian interests in Afghanistan."
Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, said the US is relying on regional partners, such as India, to increase their economic and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
"We have been very pleased with India's increase of non- lethal aid to Afghanistan, and continue to seek opportunities for burden sharing," he said during the hearing.
Earlier, US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L Goldfein discussed with top military brass in New Delhi ways to deepen the relationship between the two air forces through bilateral engagements, the US embassy said today.
In a statement, the embassy said Goldfein's visit to India was part of an Indo-Pacific tour to advance "mil-to-mil" relationships in the region, and enhance and strengthen US alliances and partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
During his visit last week, Gen. Goldfein held talks Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra.
It said his discussions focused on ways to strengthen the strategic military-to-military partnership with India.
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