New Delhi, January 07: External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Friday said that security of Indian missions and reconstruction projects will figure prominently in his discussions with the Afghan leadership.
S.M. Krishna said Indian missions in Afghanistan were under constant threat but President Hamid Karzai had promised full security.
A day before he leaves for Afghanistan, Krishna said “Our embassy and four consulates are under constant threat. We are working with the Afghan government to ensure that they give our embassy and consulates enough protection.”
“We have been fully assured by President Hamid Karzai of security.”
Krishna leaves for Kabul on a two-day visit Saturday, his first overseas visit in 2011.
The visit is expected to underscore India’s resolve to remain engaged in the reconstruction of Afghanistan amid Pakistan’s reported moves to compel India to leave that country.
In his meetings with Afghan leaders, Krishna is expected to highlight India’s stakes in peace and stability in Afghanistan for which it has pledged $1.3 billion for reconstruction activities ranging from building roads and railways to power stations and grassroots projects.
He is also expected to reiterate India’s apprehensions on the proposed reintegration of the Taliban.
Besides its embassy in Kabul, India has consulates in Jalalabad, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif and Herat.
In July 2008, two Indian diplomats were among those killed when suspected Pakistan-based outfits targeted the Indian embassy.
——–Agencies