India welcomes Trump's new Afghan policy

New Delhi, Aug 22: India on Tuesday welcomed US President Donald Trump's new Afghanistan policy, saying New Delhi is committed to supporting Kabul in its efforts to secure peace and stability.

"We welcome President Trump's determination to enhance efforts to overcome the challenges facing Afghanistan and confronting issues of safe havens and other forms of cross-border support enjoyed by terrorists," the External Affairs Ministry said.

"India shares these concerns and objectives," Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. "We are committed to supporting the government and the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity in their country."

Trump on Monday signalled an open-ended involvement without an identifiable end game by announcing a conditions-based approach instead of a time-based approach to the Afghan war.

Kumar said India had been "steadfast in extending reconstruction and development assistance to Afghanistan in keeping with our traditional friendship with its people.

"We will continue these efforts, including in partnership with other countries," he added.