India affirms its support for a democratic evolution in Afghanistan

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said India was proud of its close relations with Afghanistan and shared Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s goal of building a strong, prosperous and independent Afghanistan. He was speaking at the Rastrapati Bhawan during a banquet hosted for the Afghan president who was on a three-day visit to India.
Mukherjee said that India appreciated the work Ghani was doing and the formation of a national unity government which adds a new dimension to the process of democratic evolution in Afghanistan.
The President also said India supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation process within the framework of the Afghan Constitution. India-Afghanistan co-operation had neither an expiry date nor a timeline, he said.
As a friend and neighbour, India will always stand by firmly with Afghanistan, Mukherjee said, adding, “India considers it a privilege to share its capabilities and experience in nation-building and inclusive development with the people of Afghanistan.”
The President then called for efforts to be made to expand bilateral trade which in 2013-14 stood at $683.10 million. At least 72 Indian companies have invested around $17 million in Afghanistan from 2003-2013. India will encourage more companies to invest in Afghanistan. He expressed confidence that Afghan President’s visit will further strengthen the two countries successful cooperation in all spheres of shared interest.

Check Also

Super Election Year May Hold Key to Bosnia’s Fate

Milorad Dodik has threatened to go for Bosnian Serb independence for years – but with …