The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday welcomed United States President Donald Trump’s statement that called out Pakistan for harbouring terrorists, and said that India shares the same concerns.

“We welcome President Trump’s determination to enhance efforts to overcome the challenges facing Afghanistan and confronting issues of safe havens and other forms of cross-border support enjoyed by terrorists,” the ministry said in a statement. “India shares these concerns and objectives.”

India also said it was committed to supporting the government and people of Afghanistan in restoring peace and stability. “We have been steadfast in extending reconstruction and developmental assistance to Afghanistan in keeping with our traditional friendship with its people,” the ministry said.

Trump unveils new plans to tackle terror in South Asia

In a televised address from a US military base in Arlington on Monday night, Trump had sought India’s assistance to restore stability in Afghanistan. “...India makes billions of dollars in trade from the United States, and we want them to help us in the war with Afghanistan, especially in the area of economic assistance and development,” he said.

Trump had also accused Pakistan of protecting terrorists, adding that there were 20 US-designated foreign terrorist organisations active in Afghanistan and Pakistan. “For its part, Pakistan often gives safe haven to agents of chaos, violence and terror,” he said.

In his address, Trump had also laid out plans for a new strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia. “We will fight to win,” he said in reference to US troops in Afghanistan. “America’s enemies must never know our plans, or believe they can wait us out. I will not say when we are going to attack, but attack we will.”

Afghanistan welcomes Trump’s statements

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani welcomed Trump’s decision to increase the strength of US forces in the war-torn country. “I am grateful to Donald Trump and the American people for this affirmation of support for our efforts to achieve self-reliance and our joint struggle to rid the region from the threat of terrorism,” he said in a statement.