The US Defense Secretary James Mattis is expected to start his visit to India next week amid reports the officials of the two countries will also hold talks on Afghanistan besides discussing other issues of bilateral interest.

According to the local media reports, Mattis is expected to arrive in New Delhi late on Monday.

He is expected to start meetings with the Indian officials from next week to hold talks on key issues, including the sale of fighter jets as well as the situation in Afghanistan.

His visit to India and likely discussions on the situation in Afghanistan takes place amid concerns by Pakistan regarding the growing role of India in Afghanistan.

The Pakistani Prime Minister said last week that Islamabad wants zero political and military role for India in Afghanistan.

This will be the first visit by a top US official to India following the announcement of the new Us strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia.

President Donald Trump last month announced the new strategy and called for contribution of India in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

However, he strongly criticized Pakistan regarding the presence of the terror sanctuaries in the country.