A 'healthy' Afghanistan is going to need to have a 'healthy relationship' with India: Wells

Washington, May 20 (PTI) Asserting that India has a critical role to play in Afghan peace and development, a senior diplomat on Wednesday said that US believed that a "healthy" Afghanistan is going to need a "healthy relationship" with New Delhi.

US State Department's top official for Central and South Asia Alice G Wells me comments during conference call with reporters.

“India is going to be a critical player and is a critical player (in Afghanistan),” Wells said.

This is reason why Special US Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilz travelled to New Delhi during height of COVID-19 lockdown because it was so critical that se conversations and consultations continue between two countries, she said.

Khalilz visited India on May 7 and held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security viser Ajit Doval over fast-evolving political situation in Afghanistan after Trump ministration struck a deal with Taliban in February.

US envoy laid importance to India's crucial and continuing role in sustainable peace, security and stability in Afghanistan while updating on US peace and reconciliation efforts in country.

Indian side emphasised that putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries is necessary for enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Responding to a question, Wells said that US defers to India as to wher it wants to eng directly with Taliban, but in a situation where Trump ministration is seeking through a negotiated political settlement, to have Taliban as part of that political governing structure, that government's relationship with India, should be close.

“We believe that a healthy Afghanistan is going to need to have a healthy relationship with India,” Wells said.

India, she said, is an important partner in Afghanistan's development. After over a year of direct talks led by Khalilz with Taliban, US signed an agreement with m in February in which Taliban committed to prevent terrorism.

Under agreement, US committed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan while continuing to watch Taliban's actions and to respond when necessary to defend Afghan security forces.

Wells ted that progress to next phase of political negotiations has been difficult.

She asserted that level of violence in Afghanistan is unacceptable and it's responsibility of Taliban to significantly reduce that violence.

US has welcomed formation of an inclusive government by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, she said, ding that ministration is looking for rapid implementation of ir agreement and immediate steps to start intra-Afghan negotiations.

Observing that it is up to New Delhi to determine how best to support Afghan peace process, Wells said India is a very important actor in Afghanistan. USD 3 billion in assistance that has alrey been pledged to country. And it has touched literally every province in Afghanistan. This in dition to diplomatic and political support that India tritionally has provided to Afghans.