India calls for coordination with Washington on Afghanistan withdrawal

Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao has called for Washington's coordination and greater cooperation with her country on the withdrawal of western troops from Afghanistan. New Delhi has voiced fears that radicals might drive back to power in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of international forces, Rao said in a report by Indo-Asian news service (Ians). The Indian Ambassador said that New Delhi and Washington had been holding talks on a "stable , democratic and prosperous Afghanistan." "Consultations between the two countries must be strengthened," Rao indicated. "We understand that after ten long years of war, there is a manifest and genuine desire to seek an end to conflict. But equally, we must ensure that the enormous sacrifices and efforts of the past decade have not been in vain," she remarked. "Given the history of the last few decades in Afghanistan and the tide of extremism and radicalism that has swept across that country to the great detriment of its men, women and children, one cannot but help be concerned about what the future holds for that country after the NATO pullout," Rao explained. The Indian diplomat indicated that India has greatly invested resources on development in Afghanistan in areas specified by Afghan forces, adding that the strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan reflects India's commitment.