Gates discusses Afghan policy with Indian leaders

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has discussed with the Indian leaders the need to have transparency with Pakistan on its activities in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said today.

"We did discuss Afghanistan with the government in Delhi and discussed the need for the Indian government to be as transparent as they can be with the Pakistani government about their activities in Afghanistan," Department of Defence spokesman Geoff Morrell told reporters at a news conference.

Gates discussion with Indian leaders came up during his recent visit to New Delhi last week, following which he also visited Islamabad.

The Pentagon spokesman appreciated India's role in Afghanistan.

"They (India) clearly have contributed much in a monetary sense, financial support to the government in Afghanistan. That is greatly appreciated by us, by the Afghans, and I think by the international community," Morrell said.

"Beyond that, there was this talk of perhaps the Indians providing training to Afghan forces. That is not something that I think anybody is pursuing at this point," he said in response to a question.