A top US official has said India is emerging as a very important regional strategic partner for the US that has played an important role in helping Afghanistan by supporting the war-torn country's economy. <br/><br/>State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters yesterday that the US recognises India's contributions in Afghanistan where New Delhi has pledged about USD 3 billion for various developmental projects since 2001. Nauert said India is emerging as a very important regional strategic partner and India has played an important role in supporting the Afghan government and, in particular, supporting the economy. <br/><br/>She said India has provided developmental assistance, it has provided economic assistance, it is hosting an important economic conference in India next week. Nauert said India has done a lot in terms of development and helping to promote Afghanistan's economy. She said "so we appreciate that, we are grateful to that, and we look forward to India continuing to play a role in what we hope is an eventual peace process in Afghanistan".

India is emerging as a very important regional strategic partner for the US that has played an important role in helping Afghanistan by supporting the war-torn country's economy. Recognising India's contributions in Afghanistan, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert told newsmen, India is emerging as a very important regional strategic partner.<br/> <br/>The spokesperson said, India has done a lot in terms of development and helping to promote Afghanistan's economy and they're hosting an important economic conference in India next week. So we appreciate that, we're grateful to that, and we look forward to India continuing to play a role in what we believe is an eventual peace process in Afghanistan.