India, US express support for Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process

India and the US on Tuesday said they support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process that results in a sustainable peace, cessation of violence and elimination of terror safe havens.

The assertion in a joint statement came after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a press conference in the national capital, Trump said the US and Taliban are "pretty close" to signing an agreement to formally end the war in Afghanistan.

"I spoke to PM Modi on it. I think India would like to see it happen. We are pretty close," Trump said.

"India and the United States share interest in a united, sovereign, democratic, inclusive, stable and prosperous Afghanistan," the joint statement said.

The two countries support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process that results in a sustainable peace, cessation of violence, elimination of terrorist safe havens and preservation of the gains of the last 18 years, it ...