Kabul: "India is here to stay," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today assured Afghanistan as she conveyed the new government's resolve to work "hand-in-hand" with the war-torn country by providing all possible assistance, including in key areas of defence and security.
As Afghanistan enters a new phase in its transition, Swaraj during her talks with President Hamid Karzai conveyed that India was Afghanistan's first strategic partner and will help Afghanistan meet challenges of stability and security as the countdown begins for the drawdown of NATO forces.
"This is a critical decade of transformation for Afghanistan. India will always be Afghanistan's first strategic partner. And we will always share the Afghan people's vision of a strong, independent, united and prosperous Afghanistan for which so many Afghans sacrificed so much," Swaraj, who arrived here on a day-long visit, said.
"India is prepared to do whatever is possible, within our capacities and our means, to work with the Afghan Government and its peoples to realise this great vision," she said. "India is here to stay," she while inaugurating a new $40 million Indian Embassy building.
Afghan officials said both the countries decided to ramp up security cooperation and India has agreed to consider Afghanistan's request for supply of military hardware. In the meeting with Karzai, Afghan side mentioned to
Swaraj about a weapon 'wish list' provided earlier and the External Affairs minister said India will consider it seriously.
Afghanistan has been pressing India for supplying military hardware to strengthen its security set up in view of drawdown of NATO forces at the end of this year. Swaraj's visit also assumes significance as it comes amid rising fears of the reemergence of the Taliban and other al-Qaeda linked elements in the country following withdrawal of NATO forces.
Afghan officials described Swaraj's meeting with Karzai as "very very successful" and expressed confidence that with India's assistance the country will be able to face the threat of terrorism.
During her talks with Foreign Minister Zarar Osmani, Afghan side requested India to expand its reconstruction activities. India has invested $2 billion in aid and reconstruction and trained scores of Afghan officers. In the meeting, the two sides discussed regional issues, political situation and threat of terrorism and agreed to work together to tackle challenges.
Afghan side raised the issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The two sides underlined the need for effective ways to deal with terrorism emanating from Pakistan, sources said. India seeks better security arrangement for Indian assets in Afghanistan, which have come under attack blamed on Pakistan-backed militants.
The Indian Consulate in Herat province was attacked on this day in May. In August last year, a failed bombing against the Indian Consulate in Jalalabad city near the border with Pakistan killed nine people, including six children. No Indian officials were hurt.
The Indian Embassy in Kabul was attacked twice in 2008 and 2009 that left 75 people dead. Indian Ambassador Amar Sinha said the evolving political situation as well as a range of issues of mutual concern were discussed during the meeting. Sinha said Swaraj was accorded warm welcome by Karazi and Foreign Minister Osmani which reflect the growing congruence in relations between the two nations.
Swaraj deliberated on Chabahar port project and underlined the need of completing it soon and said it will improve connectivity between India, Afghanistan and Iran. Swaraj conveyed that whoever wins the presidential race in Afghanistan, India's new government will continue its active engagement in the country.
Afghanistan awaits eagerly the result of the disputed second round of the presidential election held on June 14. An audit of votes of the election has already been completed and results may be announced in the next few days.
Former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah and former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani were in a tight race in the polls and the winner will succeed incumbent President Hamid Karzai who has been in power for nearly 13 years.
Swaraj also met a delegation of Sikh and Hindu community members who demanded easing of visa regime by India. They said India grants them travel documents for only six months and sought longer validity visas.
Officials said both sides also examined easing visa norms for business community. The two sides also decided to increase trade ties. Swaraj also attended the inauguration ceremony of tallest flag poll in Kabul erected by Naveen Jindal's Flag Foundation of India.
Swaraj announced $1 million to develop the site into a public area where people from all over Afghanistan can come and visit when they visit their capital city Kabul.
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