Diplomatist Magazine DIplomatist September 2018 | Page 74

SPECIAL REPORT
Wells also praised India for its development
work in Afghanistan saying “India, we’ve seen
over the last several years, play a responsible
role in the economic development and
reconstruction of Afghanistan. And that role
has been appreciated by the government of
Afghanistan.”
Trump’s Afghan Policy - A Shot in the arm
for India:
India welcomed US President Donald
Trump’s new Afghan policy, unveiled last
August, that sought active role in bringing
peace to Afghanistan. Describing India as “a
key security and economic partner of the United
States,” the President had said America would
further “develop its strategic partnership with
India — the world’s largest democracy.” He also
urged India to play a larger role in providing
74 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 9 • September 2018, Noida
economic and development assistance to war-
torn Afghanistan.
President Trump had even accused Pakistan
of giving “safe haven to agents of chaos,
violence, and terror,” and said the time
had come “for Pakistan to demonstrate its
commitment to civilization, order, and to
peace.” Trump censured Pakistan by urging
the latter to “change immediately” since their
“partnership” could not survive the “harboring
of terrorists who targeted US soldiers and
offi cials”. His statements echoed sentiments
of India which has long accused Pakistan of
abetting terrorists in Afghanistan.
“ We w e l c o m e P r e s i d e n t Tr u m p ’s
determination to enhance efforts to overcome the
challenges facing Afghanistan and confronting
issues of safe havens and other forms of cross-
border support enjoyed by terrorists. India