The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi released details of Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad’s interaction with the Indian officials on Afghan peace process.

Ambassador Khalilzad met with senior Indian officials including Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, and India’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar, during his visit to New Delhi on 6th and 7th of May, the Embassy of the United States in New Delhi said in a statement.

“During his meetings, Ambassador Khalilzad welcomed expressions of support for the Afghan peace process, which strengthens an emerging international consensus for peace efforts. He also recognized the many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan’s development,” the U.S. Embassy said in its statement.

The statement further added “Ambassador Khalilzad and his counterparts discussed the many important benefits that peace would bring, including: preventing International terrorist use of Afghanistan as a platform for attacks; improved prospects for regional peace and security; and increased regional connectivity and trade.”

“Ambassador Khalilzad and his counterparts also discussed that Afghanistan’s political future is for Afghans to decide through an inclusive and legitimate process,” the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi said, adding that “They also agreed that Afghan gains of the last 18 years must be preserved and built upon. Ambassador Khalilzad will continue to consult with Indian counterparts as the peace process moves forward.”