"The Indians are a major factor in the region. They are a dominant power," Holbrook said at a meeting on Afghanistan-Pakistan region organised by the Center for American Progress, a Washington-based think tank.

"Improving US-India relations has been a continual goal of the last three administrations, all of whom have been successful in that regard I think starting with President Clinton's term in 2000," he said.

Responding to a question, Holbrook said India was outside the portfolio of his job.

"On the other hand, I am in constant touch with the embassy. I met with the Indians continually, the New Delhi's Ambassador in Washington and I have had dinner recently. She and I are in close touch," he said.