India plays responsible role in Afghanistan's economic development, reconstruction: US
The Trump administration has stated they have seen India play a responsible role in the economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan "over the last several years." It also noted that the trilateral India-Afghan-US cooperation is not aimed at Pakistan. India's "role has been appreciated by the government of Afghanistan," said the senior US diplomat for South and Central Asia, Alice Wells. Here's more.
Wells participated in India-US-Afghanistan trilateral meeting
Alice Wells, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the US Department of State's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, attended the Kabul process meeting earlier. On the sidelines of it, she participated in the India-US-Afghanistan trilateral meeting, which raised eyebrows in Pakistan. She said the meeting was to review how the three countries can better work together on development trade and investment priorities.
No manipulation of Afghanistan to be used against Pakistan: Wells
On the India-Afghan-US trilateral cooperation, Alice Wells said, "That does not imply that we would support or think that there's any manipulation of Afghanistan so that it can be used against Pakistan." She was responding to a question at the US Institute of Peace.
Pakistan has important role to play in stabilizing Afghanistan
Speaking of Pakistan's role in Afghanistan, Alice Wells said the country has an important role to play in a peace process, and in stabilizing Afghanistan. "We believe that Pakistan can help change and shape the calculus of the Taliban. We are engaged with Pakistan on how we can work together as well as address Pakistan's legitimate concerns through a negotiated process," she said.
