India playing a "critical and constructive" role in Afghanistan: US

Washington, July 2 (ANI): Rejecting Pakistan's concerns over India's 'greater' role in Afghanistan, the United States has said that New Delhi was playing a "critical and constructive" role in the war torn country.

Addressing the Asia society here, US undersecretary of defence for policy Michele Flournoy said the Obama administration considers India as a key player in securing a successful future for Afghanistan.

"We highly value India's role and, frankly, the sacrifices that India has made in support of this mission in building economic and social opportunities in Afghanistan," Flournoy said.

"We see India's continued involvement in Afghanistan's development as a key part of that country's future success," she added.

Flournoy, however, added that the US backs Pakistan's efforts to ease tension both with India and Afghanistan, and that the White House would continue to help the three countries to establish peace and stability in the region.

"They all have a stake in the stability of the region and we have strategic partnerships with all three countries," the top US official said.

"One of the things we continue to try to press is our belief that that common stake in regional security can actually bring them to a place of cooperation that they have not experienced before. But it's not going to be easy," The News quoted Flournoy, as saying. (ANI)