Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reiterated India’s support to an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace and reconciliation process.
During his meeting with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani in New Delhi, Mr Modi said, it will enable Afghanistan to continue as a united, peaceful, inclusive and democratic nation and emerge as an economically vibrant country.
Mr Modi emphasized India’s unwavering commitment to support the efforts of Afghanistan to this end, as also for the security and sovereignty of Afghanistan.
He unequivocally condemned terrorist attacks and violence in Afghanistan which have caused immense loss of precious human lives. Mr Modi expressed solidarity with the people and national defence forces of Afghanistan in their fight against terrorism.
The two leaders reviewed and positively assessed the progress of the multi-faceted India-Afghanistan strategic partnership.
They expressed satisfaction at the increase in bilateral trade that has crossed the one billion dollar mark. The two leaders also expressed determination to strengthen connectivity, including through Chabahar port and Air-Freight Corridor.
It was agreed to deepen the new development Partnership in the areas of high impact projects in this field of infrastructure, human resources development and other capacity-building projects in Afghanistan.
President Ghani briefed the Prime Minister on initiatives by his government towards peace and reconciliation and also in confronting the challenges of terrorism and extremism imposed on Afghanistan and its people.
Expressing satisfaction at the coordination and consultation on activities at various international fora, the two sides agreed to strengthen this cooperation and also to work even more closely with their regional and international partners for prosperity, peace, stability and progress.
The Afghanistan President is on a day-long visit to India today.
