Karzai, Manmohan discuss Afghan situation, regional issues

Noting that terrorism ran counter to the aspirations of their peoples, the two leaders discussed the common threat faced by both their societies from terrorism and agreed that the strategic partnership between India and Afghanistan is a "positive factor" for peace and stability in the region, a joint statement, issued after their bilateral meeting, said.

Apart from raising the issue of safety and security of Indians in that country, the Prime Minister is understood to have voiced India's concerns over proposed reintegration of the Taliban and reiterated New Delhi's position on 'Afghan-led and Afghan-owned' peace deal.

India has already made clear its concern over Pakistan's increasing involvement in Afghanistan's transition process, saying "any external interference in the reintegration process would be detrimental to its success and for the future of democratic, stable, pluralistic and prosperous Afghanistan."

The security of Indians in the war-torn country is yet another matter of concern for New Delhi.Apart from staff in Indian missions in Afghanistan, some 4,000 Indians are building roads, sanitation projects and power lines in that country. India is also building the new Afghan Parliament.

In February last year, seven Indians were killed in a Taliban suicide attack on foreigners in Kabul, which claimed 16 lives and left 20 people critically injured.

During the meeting, which was followed by a lunch hosted by Singh for Karzai, the Indian side also reiterated its long- term commitment to the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan, and to the efforts of his government's to build a strong, independent, democratic, peaceful and prosperous nation.

Karzai, who is here to address the inaugural session of the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit, expressed gratitude of Afghan people for the assistance provided by India over the years.

The Afghan President underlined the need for the two countries to work together in close cooperation in the interest of the people of the two countries and stability in the region at large, the statement said.

Singh accepted an invitation from President Karzai to visit Afghanistan at an early date.
Karzai also held meetings with his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil during his two-day visit.

"The visit reflected the close friendship between the people of India and Afghanistan and the continuing tradition of high-level and frequent consultations between the leaders of the two countries," the statement said.