The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad met India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in New Delhi on Friday where both sides shared their perspectives on peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan.
US Envoy Khalilzad said in a statement regarding the meeting: “Our countries share a long-standing commitment to Afghanistan. We discussed how to help Afghans achieve enduring peace & areas of possible cooperation, both bilaterally & regionally.”
India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesman, Raveesh Kumar, as quoted by Indian Media, said in the meeting: “We share perspectives on peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Mr. Khalilzad briefed External Affairs Minister and Foreign Secretary on their aspect as to how the US is trying to achieve peace and reconciliation in the country,”
In this meeting, Indian officials emphasized that the peace and reconciliation process in the Afghanistan “must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled”.
“Our position on Afghanistan is very clear and consistent. We support the process which is inclusive and there has been no change in that position.” Mr Kumar reiterated.
US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad traveled to India as the first destination as part of his 14-day multi-nation trip on Afghan peace. He will also travel to China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan during this trip.
