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US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has said that India's decision not to send its troops to Afghanistan was in view of Pakistan's considerations as this would bring in new complexities in the region. Mattis praised India's contributions to the war-torn country before lawmakers at House Armed Services Committee, saying New Delhi has adopted a holistic approach in its assistance towards Afghanistan. "It is really a very holistic approach that India is taking. You'll notice I left off (Indian) boots (soldiers) on the ground because of the complexity that would bring to Pakistan," Mattis said in response to a question from Congressman Doug Lamborn during the Congressional hearing on South Asia. "We're trying to make this an inclusive strategy and we don't want them to get a sense that they're vulnerable to any Indian Army people from their western flank, that's not necessary," Mattis said. The defence secretary insisted that an open border trade between India and Pakistan .