New Delhi: Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sent out a strong message, aimed at Pakistan, calling for putting an end to all sponsorship, safe havens and sanctuaries to terrorists. The leaders came closer in their view on the increasing threat of terrorism, describing it as the single biggest threat to peace, stability and progress in the region and beyond. After formal extensive talks here between the two leaders, the two sides signed three agreements and India announced an assistance of one billion dollars to the war-ravaged Afghanistan.
Describing Afghanistan as its "close neighbour and friend" Mr Modi reiterated India’s abiding support for a unified, sovereign, democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. Briefing media about the visit of Mr Ghani, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the two leaders took stock of the regional situation and of the changing forms of terrorism and the sudden rise in the smuggling of narcotics. The main stress during the talks was that the changing dimensions of terrorism was turning into a major regional challenge for both the countries. A joint statement said the two leaders expressed grave concern at the continued use of terrorism and violence in the region for achieving political objectives.
"They agreed that this phenomenon presented the single biggest threat to peace, stability and progress in the region and beyond. Stressing that elimination of all forms of terrorism, without any discrimination, is essential, they called upon the concerned to put an end to all sponsorship, support, safe havens and sanctuaries to terrorists, including for those who target Afghanistan and India," the statement said. Both the leaders reaffirmed their resolve to counter terrorism and strengthen security and defence cooperation as envisaged in the India-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement.
With both Afghanistan and India bearing the burnt of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, the firm message was given by the two leaders at a time when Islamabad was increasingly being isolated on the issue on international forums. During his talks with Mr Ghani, Mr Modi conveyed India’s readiness to consider further requirements of Afghanistan for capacity and capability building in spheres such as education, health, agriculture, skill development, empowerment of women, energy, infrastructure and strengthening of democratic institutions.
It was also stressed that expeditious implementation of the trilateral agreement involving Afghanistan, India and Iran, signed in May 2016, using Chabahar will augment connectivity within and of the region. In this context, the leaders appreciated the recent decision taken by the three countries to convene a joint forum involving important stakeholders, including from business and industry. (UNI)
