After extensive talks with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday, India offered assistance to the war-ravaged nation in diverse sectors including defence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Afghan President held extensive talks during which both leaders stressed the need for concrete action to dismantle terror networks.
Significantly, Ghani’s predecessor Hamid Karzai was strongly pushing for supply of military hardware by India to enhance the Afghan defence capability.
In the meeting, Ashraf Ghani discussed a host of key issues including connectivity and security.
After comprehensive talks with Ghani on an entire gamut of bilateral ties as well as key regional and international issues, Modi said that he conveyed India’s support for for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
We have a shared interest in the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. This should be conducted within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence. It should reinforce the political, economic and social progress of the last fourteen years. And, it should protect the rights and aspirations of all sections of the society, including Afghan women.
– Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
The Afghan President identified terror as a major challenge facing the region and said his government was determined to make Afghanistan the “graveyard of terror”.
Without naming Pakistan, which has been accused by the previous Afghan government of supporting violence, Modi said, “Its (process) success requires a positive and constructive approach from neighbours, including an end to support for violence.”
Noting that India deeply values its friendship and goodwill with Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said the country stands with the people of Afghanistan as they build a united, stable, democratic and prosperous nation.
“This comes from the responsibility of our friendship. It also stems from our commitment to regional peace and progress.... And, it will not be limited to the period of transition or the decade of transformation. This is an enduring commitment,” Modi added.
On his part, Ghani, who has visited China and Pakistan before coming here and has a pro-Islamabad approach, appreciated India’s contribution in reconstruction efforts in his country.
India has so far contributed over $ 2bn for various projects including those in the social sector.
(With inputs from PTI)
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