TIA NEWS/ NEW DELHI
India and Afghanistan have called for elimination of all forms of terrorism in the region without any discrimination. Both countries agreed that terrorism is the single biggest threat to peace, stability and progress in the region and beyond.
In a joint statement following bilateral talks between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the two leaders expressed great concern at the use of terrorism for achieving political objectives.
They called upon the concerned to put an end to all sponsorship, support, safe haven and sanctuaries to terrorists.
Giving highlights of the joint statement and sense of discussion between the two leaders, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to counter terrorism and strengthen security and defence cooperation.
The Prime Minister committed that India will give one billion dollars to Afghanistan over the next few years for capacity building, strengthening democratic institutions, education, and supply of world class and affordable medicines.
The Foreign Secretary said India wanted to supply 1.7-lakh-tonne wheat to Afghanistan which is facing food shortage, through Pakistan. He said India had requested Pakistan a few months back but no response has been received so far.
The Foreign Secretary said enhancing air connectivity and liberalising visa regime were also discussed during the meeting. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s support for unified, sovereign, democratic, peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
It was also stressed that expeditious implementation of the trilateral agreement signed in May this year involving Afghanistan, India and Iran using Chahbahar will augment connectivity within the region.
India and Afghanistan signed three agreements today on Extradition Treaty, Outer Space and Judicial Matters. The Extradition Treaty between India and Afghanistan would provide a legal framework for seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders and other criminals.