India, Afghanistan seek strategic partnership

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai held bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss the "broad-based strategic partnership between India and Afghanistan," Indian Foreign Ministry stated on Saturday. President Karzai, who is on a four-day visit to India starting December 12, briefed Indian Prime Minister on the political, security, and economic situation in Afghanistan, including the ongoing security transition in the country and Afghanistan's relations with other countries, the ministry stated. During the meeting, the Indian Prime Minister said his country is committed to support Afghanistan through the transition and beyond, the ministry noted, adding, the two leaders also agreed to work on further strengthening regional cooperation with the aim of regional integration and development, including through the Heart of Asia process. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to further intensify their partnership in all areas, in accordance with their Strategic Partnership Agreement. India and Afghanistan have signed Strategic Partnership Agreement, signed between Afghanistan and India during Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit to India in October 2011. This agreement allows Afghanistan to buy military weaponry from India such as aircraft, missiles and field-guns from India. The two leaders also agreed on deepening defence and security cooperation, including through enhancement in training and meeting the equipment and infrastructure needs of Afghanistan National Security and Defence Forces that would increase their operational capabilities and mobility, the ministry added. The ministry said during the meeting, the two leaders reiterated their resolve to work together as well as with the international community to counter the forces of terrorism and extremism that have been affecting the two countries and threatening the entire region. Apart from the Indian Prime minister, President Karzai met with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.