Trump seeks greater role for India to achieve stability in Afghanistan

Washington: The United States on Monday ruled out a hasty withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan as President Donald Trump warned Pakistan of consequences if it continues to provide safe havens to terror groups and sought an enhanced role for India to bring peace in the war-torn country.

Mr Trump, in a televised address to the nation, laid out his South Asia policy saying a "critical part" of it was to further develop US' strategic partnership with India.

"We appreciate India's important contributions to stability in Afghanistan, but India makes billions of dollars in trade with the United States, and we want them to help us more with Afghanistan, especially in the area of economic assistance and development," the US President said.

Mr Trump said New Delhi can play a big role, especially in the economic field, to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. India, the world's largest democracy, is a key security and economic partner of the United States, he said.

He slammed Pakistan for its continued support to terrorist groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so.

"We can no longer be silent about Pakistan's safe havens for terrorist organisations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond," Mr Trump said.

"Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbour terrorists," he added, in an apparent warning to Pakistan.

After a "comprehensive review", it has been decided that the American strategy in Afghanistan and South Asia will change dramatically, the US President said.

"A core pillar of our new strategy is a shift from a time-based approach to one based on conditions. I've said many times how counterproductive it is for the United States to announce in advance, the dates we intend to begin, or end, military operations," Mr Trump said as he announced his South Asia policy.