S Jaishankar holds discussions with US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad

The US Special Representative on Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad visited India yesterday. He called on External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in the presence of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. Mr Khalilzad had visited India on a similar mission on 7th May this year.  This was his 5th visit to India since January last year.

Sources said, Mr Khalilzad appreciated India’s participation in the Intra-Afghan Negotiations, IAN held in Doha on 12th September. He briefed about the US assessment of IAN and



shared the US perspective on the Afghan peace process.

The two sides discussed future steps and possible cooperation between India and the US in furthering the Afghan peace process. They also deliberated upon how to promote regional and international cooperation with regard to Afghanistan.

Sources said, yesterday’s discussions are a reflection of the India-US strategic partnership which provides for close consultations between the two countries on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.