The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will visit India in early January over the Afghan peace talks, Indian media reported on Monday.
The Economic Times said in a report that Khalilzad will brief Indian officials on his efforts for Afghanistan reconciliation, talks with the Taliban and the future of Indo-US partnership.
The report said India has not been satisfied with US efforts over holding reconciliation meetings with the Taliban without enough consultations from New Delhi.
According to Economic Times, Khalilzad visited the region twice in the recent months to hold talks with Taliban, but both times skipped New Delhi. Now, he will attend a Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier foreign policy dialogue — to be held here during January 8-10, the report said.
Skipping India in his regional visits was surprising for New Delhi while he always was insisting on India’s greater role in Afghanistan issue, the report said.
Khalilzad visited Kabul last week to brief Afghan leaders on his meetings with Taliban in Abu Dhabi.
In an interview with TOLOnews following his return from Abu Dhabi, Khalilzad said Taliban convinced that they cannot win militarily and that a political solution should be sought for the crisis in the country.
