India today agreed to provide Afghanistan further assistance to strengthen its security forces as the two strategic partners decided to deepen security cooperation and resolved to work closely to deal with the challenge of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
After holding wide-ranging talks with her Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani, External Affairs Mnister Sushma Swaraj said 116 new “high impact” development projects would be implemented jointly in 31 provinces of Afghanistan.
“We remain united in overcoming the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism and safe havens and sanctuaries to both our countries,” Ms Swaraj said at a joint media briefing with Mr Rabbani.
Afghanistan has faced a wave of terror attacks in the last few months and the proposed reconciliation and peace process is yet to make any progress.
Asserting that its relationship with Afghanistan is an “article of faith” for India, she said New Delhi would continue to work with Afghan people in their efforts to build a secure, stable, peaceful, prosperous, united and inclusive Afghanistan.
The two sides also inked four pacts, including one on vehicular movement to boost overland transit and another on a fresh batch of development projects by India in Afghanistan.
“We support national peace and reconciliation in an atmosphere free from violence and within the framework of Afghanistan’s Constitution,” Ms Swaraj said, reiterating that India would continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Afghanistan in realising their dreams.
Both Sushma Swaraj and Salahuddin Rabbani were clear in their references about terrorism emanating from Pakistan though they did not name the country.
Thanking India for its unflinching support for peace and stability in Afghanistan, Mr Rabbani said both countries agreed to strengthen security cooperation. “India has further agreed to provide assistance for Afghan national defence forces.”
India has already invested over USD 2 billion in reconstruction of Afghanistan in the last 15 years but has been adopting a cautious approach in supplying military hardware.
India has given four military helicopters to Afghanistan and imparted training to hundreds of Afghan security personnel.
Mr Rabbani said the current regional situation brings Afghanistan and India closer to protect and achieve their socio-economic goal and protect citizens.
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