US 'actively consulted' India on Afghan-Pak policy: Boucher

Lalit K Jha

Washington, Mar 28 (PTI) Applauding India's efforts in
rebuilding the post-Taliban Afghanistan, the Obama
Administration has said it had "actively consulted" New Delhi
during the comprehensive review of its Afghan-Pakistan policy.

"The US has actively consulted India while developing its
strategy on Afghanistan and Pakistan," Assistant Secretary of
State Richard Boucher told a group of South Asian reporters
here Friday.

"I think, we had very good consultations with India so
far and we hope to work closely with them as we go forward,"
he said, adding New Delhi has been very positive and active
when it comes to Afghanistan.

Boucher noted that Richard Holbrooke, the Special US
Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, had made a trip to New
Delhi and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon had come to
Washington during this review process.

He also praised India's efforts in the redevelopment of
Afghanistan, post-Taliban. "India has been a major donor and
has done some very good work in Afghanistan," he said.

Replying to a question, Boucher said: "As far as any
rivalry between India and Pakistan, I think, quite contrary,
this strategy makes us possible for all of us to really deal
with the counter-terrorist strategy in the region, which
effects India and Pakistan alike."

The Assistant Secretary of State said the US has always
supported efforts by Indians and Pakistanis themselves to
reduce tensions and "we will continue to support whatever
steps they agree upon."

Boucher said it is important for Pakistan to focus on its
western border, where the terrorism comes from.

His remarks follow President Barack Obama's announcement
about creating a new Contact Group for Afghanistan and
Pakistan, which would include all the major stake holders and
key global and regional players including India and Iran.

"Together with the United Nations, we will forge a new
contact group for Afghanistan and Pakistan that brings
together all who should have a stake in the security of the
region. Our NATO Allies and other partners, the Central
Asian states, the Gulf nations, Iran, Russia, India and
China," Obama said.

None of these nations benefit from a base for al-Qaeda
terrorists and a region that descends into chaos. "All have a
stake in the promise of lasting peace and security and
development," he said. PTI LKJ
SAK
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