Trump thanks India for developmental programmes in Afghanistan

US President Donald Trump today thanked India for its developmental programmes in Afghanistan, saying instability in the war-torn country is a common area of concern for the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump agreed to continue strengthening the coordination for ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan.
"I thank the Indian people for their contributions to the effort in Afghanistan," Trump told reporters at a joint media appearance with Modi in the Rose Garden of the White House.
Modi said, "The increasing instability due to terrorism in Afghanistan is one of our common concerns. Both India and America have played an important role in rebuilding Afghanistan and ensuring its security".

"In order to attain our objectives for peace and stability in Afghanistan, we will maintain close consultation and communication with the US to enhance coordination between our two nations," the prime minister said.
Trump thanked the Indian people for their "contributions to the effort in Afghanistan, and for joining us in applying new sanctions against the North Korean regime".

The White House said the US and India support increased stability and prosperity in Afghanistan and their expanded development coordination and cooperation benefits all the three countries.
India has spent USD two billion on development assistance to Afghanistan since 2001, and pledged an additional USD one billion last year, it said.

In September, the US will co-sponsor the India- Afghanistan Export, Trade and Investment Fair in New Delhi, to promote expanded Afghan commercial ties with India, the White House said.
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said there were a lot of discussions on Afghanistan, particularly the US policy review on it.
"On Afghanistan, the prime minister expressed our appreciation of the sacrifices that America has made to strengthen democracy in Afghanistan," he said.