The US has said India can play a constructive role in Afghanistan and it will welcome New Delhi's involvement in the war-torn nation. State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference in Washington that America's bilateral relationship with India was quite close and robust. It recognises India's role in the region and is frankly encouraged by it playing a more active and constructive role. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Kabul underscored India's strong efforts to support international efforts to rebuild a secure and stable Afghanistan. Blake, speaking on India-US relations at a Washington-based think tank, noted Singh has spearheaded initiative to normalise relations with Pakistan. He said India's economic rise presents an enormous opportunity to Pakistan, and the normalisation of economic ties could provide immense benefits to millions of entrepreneurs, farmers and businessmen in both the countries.