In a strong message to Pakistan, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has said it is time for "every responsible nation" to support the efforts of the UN, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all those who are trying to maintain peace in South Asia.

Pakistan must take on a substantive role in peace talks with the Taliban if the war in neighbouring Afghanistan is to be ended, he said. Mattis was responding to a question about a letter written by President Donald Trump to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, seeking his support in peace in Afghanistan.