India is engaged with US on developments in Afghanistan: MEA

On Monday, Blinken while responding to a question by Congressman Mark Green on whether the US had reached out to India as a possible staging area for aerial strikes on any terrorist in Afghanistan, said, "I am talking northwest India as a potential because Qatar and Doha are just a little bit too far."

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that India continues to be engaged with the U.S and others regarding developments in Afghanistan. This comes after US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken told Congress on Monday that the United States is in touch with India regarding the over-the-horizon capabilities and plans.

After the US troop withdrawal and evacuation from Afghanistan, the White House has promised the American people an over-the-horizon strategy to fight any terrorism threats emanating from Afghanistan.

In response to a media query about US Secretary Blinken approaching India to allow its bases in the Northwest to be used for Air Strikes in Afghanistan, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi during a media briefing here on Thursday said, "We continue to be engaged with the US and others regarding developments in Afghanistan."

"Won’t respond to media reports… actual conversation in the US Congressional committee hearing is different from media reports", added Bagchi.

On Monday, Blinken while responding to a question by Congressman Mark Green on whether the US had reached out to India as a possible staging area for aerial strikes on any terrorist in Afghanistan, said, "I am talking northwest India as a potential because Qatar and Doha are just a little bit too far."

Blinken further reiterated that India is deeply engaged with India.

Meanwhile, On September 24th, PM Modi is slated to participate in the first in-person Quad leaders' summit in Washington.

On Sept 25, he will address the UN general debate of the UN General Assembly at its 76th session. While PM is in Washington, he will also have a bilateral meeting with President Biden, said the Ministry of External Affairs