'India shares US goals of new Af-Pak policy'

As United States President Barack Obama announced a new Afghan-Pakistan strategy, the US on Wednesday said its 'core goal' is disrupting, dismantling and defeating terror networks in those two countries, an aspiration shared with India.

In a statement in New Delhi, US Ambassador Timothy J Roemer said India and the US must unite in commitment of civilian resources and provide the tools for economic development and humanitarian aid to eliminate the extremist violence.

"India is a key, global partner of the United States and we value the positive role India continues to play in the region, including its significant humanitarian contributions to Afghanistan," he said.

"Our nations share a common goal -- to see a world free of the global terrorism that threatens our people where they worship, live, work, and study. We are committed to working steadfastly together to accomplish this goal," the envoy said.

Roemer said, "Our core goal in Afghanistan and Pakistan -- to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat terrorist networks – is an aspiration we share with India."

Referring to Obama's announcement, he said the president has 'directed us' to work together to strengthen the Afghan National Security Forces so that the Afghans can take the lead in reclaiming and governing their own country.

"We are helping to create jobs for the Afghans which are critical to undermining the appeal of the brutal extremists while insuring sustainable, economic growth in the long term, with agriculture as our top development priority," Roemer said.

The ambassador added that to make the new strategy effective, the US and Pakistan must work together to 'hold terrorists accountable for their actions and to offer terror networks no safe haven.'

Obama announced sending of 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan with an aim of defeating the Taliban.