India a dominant power: Holbrook

Washington, Aug 13 (PTI) Noting that India is a "dominant
power" in South Asia, the Special US Representative for
Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrook on Thursday said the
Obama administration is keeping New Delhi informed about its
policies in Afghanistan-Pakistan region.

"The Indians are a major factor in the region. They are a
dominant power," Holbrook said at a meeting on Af-Pak region
organised by the Center for American Progress, a
Washington-based think tank.

"Improving US-India relations has been a continual goal
of the last three administrations, all of whom have been
successful in that regard I think starting with President
Clinton's term in 2000," he said.

Responding to a question, Holbrook said India was outside
the portfolio of his job.

"On the other hand, I am in constant touch with the
embassy. I met with the Indians continually, the New Delhi's
Ambassador in Washington and I have had dinner recently. She
and I are in close touch," he said.

"I will go to India whenever the schedule permits,"
Holbrook said. PTI LKJ
SDE