There is bipartisan support for India's role in Afghanistan: PM

Afghanistan News.Net
Wednesday 25th November, 2009 (ANI)

Washington, Nov 25 : The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, said on Wednesday that there is bipartisan support for India's role in Afghanistan and there are no negative jibes about it.

Last year, India announced an additional development aid of 450 million dollars for rebuilding the violence-ravaged country. The fresh aid has taken India's total contribution in the reconstruction of Afghanistan to 1.2 billion dollars, making New Delhi one of the largest donors to that country.

Dr. Singh was of view that war-torn Afghanistan needs the sustained support of the world community, and said that India is doing its bit even it does not suit some other countries in the neighbourhood. He was speaking to reporters in the Willard Room of the Willard Intercontinental Hotel here this afternoon

Commenting on his talks with President Barack Obama, he said that the US President said that India-US should be safe from terrorism and there is a need to work together to combat it.

"President Obama was very conscious and aware of the threats both our countries face from terrorism, and the need for us to work together to combat it. We have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism. He told me that the United States highly values India's role in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. We had similar views on establishing peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific," Dr. Singh said.

"He told me that US highly values India's role in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. We had similar vies on establishing peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region," he added.

Interacting with the president of the Council of Foreign Relations (CFR), Richard Haas, during a question and answer session on Tuesday, Dr. Singh had said: "It is quite clear that Afghanistan requires the sustained support of the global community if it has to return to peace and normalcy."

On the continued presence of the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan despite an allied offensive led by the NATO, the Indian Prime Minister said: "There is no doubt in may mind that if the Taliban and Al Qaeda succeed in Afghanistan, it would be catastrophic for not only Pakistan, but also South Asia."

Not dealing with these elements in a firm and timely manner could result in the terrorist menace-taking root even in the Middle East and beyond, he warned.

He said that India has an abiding commitment to Afghanistan's efforts to build a democratic, stable, prosperous and pluralistic polity. By Smita Prakash

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