“We look forward to further cooperation in the broader Indo-Pacific region as we both promote a rules-based approach to commerce and a transparent and sustaible approach to economic development. We are glad to be joined in this effort by our close mutual partner Japan,” he said. vies of the three countries participate in the annual Malabar exercise in the Indian Ocean region, which is watched with suspicion by Chi. The US Secretary of State, who was in Afghanistan on Monday on an unnounced visit, also said the US acknowledges with gratitude India’s “generous contributions” to the development of Afghanistan, including construction of the Afghan Parliament building. (IANS)