“India would stand by Afghanistan in its transition”

By BERNAMA

NEW DELHI- India is prepared to increase bilateral contribution to Afghanistan’s institution-building, training and equipment and would stand by that country during its critical period of transition, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported, quoting India’s President Pranab Mukherjee as saying here Tuesday.

During a meeting with visiting Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai, Mukherjee said India is proud to partner the government and people of Afghanistan in their efforts towards reconstruction and development of Afghanistan.

He said India would stand by the government and the people of Afghanistan in the critical period of transition, development and nation-building, a Rashtrapati Bhavan press release quoted Mukherjee as saying.

“We should strengthen and deepen India-Afghanistan relations in all areas as prescribed in the Strategic Partnership Agreement,” the president said, adding that India is prepared to increase bilateral contribution to institution-building, training and equipment.

Meanwhile, Hamid Karzai, who met the president at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official home of the President of India, warmly reciprocated Mukherjee’s words and said India is amongst the closest of countries to Afghanistan and according to many surveys, the country most liked by Afghan people.

“India-Afghan relations stand today on solid cemented grounds. Our relations are greater than any time before,” he said.

-BERNAMA