India reiterates full support to Afghanistan for strengthening defensive capabilities

Kabul : India has reiterated its full support to Afghanistan for strengthening its defensive capabilities for preserving its unity and territorial integrity and ensuring security.

In a joint statement issued at the end of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit here on Friday, both nations agreed to increase and expand training opportunities for Afghan National Security and Defence Forces in relevant Indian institutions, based on the requirements of Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Modi strongly supported Afghan government-led reconciliation process, which respects the red lines drawn by the people of Afghanistan and the international community.

India welcomed the decision of the Afghanistan Government to open a new Consulate General in the city of Hyderabad to further strengthen their historical ties.

Prime Minister Modi and Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani agreed that groups and individuals that perpetrate violence on the people of Afghanistan and challenge by use of violence and terror against the Afghanistan cannot be allowed to exercise control or wield influence over any part of Afghanistan’s territory in any manner.

The statement said it could pose serious risks to the gains of the last nearly one and half decades, and renew those very threats against which the people of Afghanistan and international community had resolutely fought and made great sacrifices.

The Prime Minister also assured Afghanistan Ghani that India will continue to be guided by the priorities and requirements of the Afghanistan Government, including priorities for reconstruction in Kunduz in the aftermath of the recent terrorist rampage. (ANI)