"The Indians are a major factor in the region. They are a dominant power," Holbrook said at a meeting on Af-Pak 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.
"I will go to India whenever the schedule permits," Holbrook said.
Published 13 August 2009, 03:33 IST