Putting end to terrorist safe havens key for enduring peace in Afghanistan: India to US

US Special Representative for Afghan peace process Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval over the fast-evolving political situation in Afghanistan after the Trump administration struck a deal with the Taliban in February.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the US envoy laid importance to India's crucial and continuing role in sustainable peace, security and stability in Afghanistan while updating on the US peace and reconciliation efforts in the country.

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

Khalilzad arrived in Delhi as part of a three-nation tour of India, Qatar and Pakistan.

In the talks, the US envoy was accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council Lisa Curtis and US Ambassador to India Ken Juster.

"The US side recognized India's ...