'US completely supports India playing constructive role in Afghanistan': Crowley

Washington, Nov 10 (ANI): The United States has not excluded India in "any way, shape, or form" in playing a constructive role in Afghanistan as part of its regional strategy, the US State Department has said.

"We have talked to India regularly, repeatedly, in every high-level meeting about Afghanistan," Spokesman Philip J Crowley said during a press briefing on November 8.

Replying to the question whether the State Department was going to invite India in the next meet on Afghanistan as New Delhi had contributed a lot in the buildup, in the construction in the country, Crowley said, "We completely support India playing a constructive role in Afghanistan as part of our regional strategy."

"We recognize that a number of countries in the region, including India, including Pakistan, including others, can play an important and constructive role in the advancement of Afghanistan. So we have not excluded India in any way, shape, or form," he added.

On US President Barack Obama's declaration of endorsing India's bid to secure a seat on an enlarged UN Security Council at the conclusion of the reforms process, Crowley noted that the President "did highlight the fact that, as we continue to promote reform within the UN Security Council, it is inconceivable that you could contemplate UN Security Council reform without considering a country like India."

"But we have to recognize... this is a process that has been going on for some time, and it is a process through which we must consult with others within the UN and within the Security Council," said the spokesman.

"But the President was clear that as we contemplate reform, we are mindful that, on the one hand, we need to protect the effectiveness and efficiency of the Security Council, but on the other hand, we are open to countries that demonstrate that they are prepared to contribute significantly to the peace and security of the world. And India is such a country," Crowley added. (ANI)