India in recent months have intensified consultations on Afghanistan with both USA and Russia to safeguard its interests amid peace talks with Taliban

India on Friday hosted Afghan National Security Adviser to explore wider defence partnership ahead of US envoy for Taliban talks Zalmay Khalilzad visit here next week.

National Security Adviser of Afghanistan Dr Hamdullah Mohib and Indian counterpart Ajit Doval had detailed exchange of views about the developments in Afghanistan.

ET had first reported on Thursday that Doval would host his Afghan counterpart on Friday to discuss additional defence supplies to Kabul.

Incidentally on Thursday the Modi government visibly unhappy with US President Donald Trumps statement mocking PM Narendra Modi on India's development partnership in Afghanistan asserted that India's projects in the landlocked country speak for itself and once again ruled out putting boots on the ground.

Mohib briefed the Indian side about the security situation, the holding of Parliamentary elections and scheduled Presidential elections, and efforts of the Government of Afghanistan at peace and reconciliation.

He appreciated the assistance provided by India for economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and also for human resource development, including training of Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in India.

Doval conveyed India's continued support for the efforts of the Government and the people of Afghanistan to bring peace, security and prosperity in that country. He mentioned that India supports all efforts for peace and reconciliation that are Afghan owned, Afghan led and Afghan controlled.

"Regional and international partners of Afghanistan need to work keeping in mind the priorities, wishes and desire of the Afghan people. India welcomes the fact that the people of Afghanistan have time and again reposed faith in democratic governance and the forthcoming Presidential elections in Afghanistan will further deepen the roots of democracy in Afghanistan," a government statement noted after the meeting.

India in recent months have intensified consultations on Afghanistan with both USA and Russia to safeguard its interests amid peace talks with Taliban.