(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks on Tuesday with the visiting Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and pledged cooperation to end terrorism while offering support in various fields including defense.
During their meeting, Modi and Ghani discussed ways of cooperation to enhance connectivity and security.
Other bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern were also discussed, and India expressed keenness to deepen cooperation in areas of infrastructure, agriculture, human resource development and community projects.
In a joint press release both the Asian leaders underlined the importance of finding lasting and comprehensive peace in Afghanistan.
"We have a shared interest in the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. This should be conducted within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence. It should reinforce the political, economic and social progress of the last fourteen years. And, it should protect the rights and aspirations of all sections of the society, including Afghan women," Modi said.
"The relationship between India and Afghanistan is not just between two countries or governments. It is a timeless link of human hearts. Fourteen years ago, we started a new chapter in our relationship, in a new era for Afghanistan, under the leadership of President (Hamid) Karzai.
"The partnership has blossomed despite barriers of geography and hurdles of politics. We will continue this journey in partnership with President Ghani and his National Unity Government with Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah," Modi said.
On his part the visiting Afghan president valued the strong support that India extended to his country and said that both the countries should stand united.
"We require your moral support and your understanding for our quest. Afghanistan is a roundabout, where goods, people flow, and now it wants countries to return, with pipelines, railways and fibre optics," he said.
Ghani is also scheduled to hold detailed discussions about deepening economic ties during a joint interactive meeting with the officials of various Indian business and industrial promotion bodies including Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and Confederation of Indian Industry.
The Afghan president also held talks with President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in addition to holding talks with Minister of State of Commerce & Industry Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar and Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda.
Ghani arrived in New Delhi on a three-day official visit last night.
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