India played major role in rebuilding Afghanistan: Karzai

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has said that his country is emerging as an inclusive society following the decade long efforts of reconstruction.

He gave an extempore account of his country’s long struggle since Russian invasion in 1978 and the subsequent interplay of foreign powers and forces of terrorism and religious fundamentalism.

Karzai was speaking at a programme organized by Observer research foundation in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Karzai said he shared Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s vision for the region.

He asserted that the strategic partnership agreement signed with India on Tuesday is meant for development of Afghanistan and is not directed against any body.

Karzai lauded the role played by India in rebuilding of Afghanistan over the last decade.

Karzai said people of Afghanistan want to live in peace and the neighbouring countries have a role to play in fulfilling this aspiration.

He said his government has been sincerely engaged with Pakistan to establish peace but the desired results have not come out of this engagement.

Earlier, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari called on visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai in the national capital.

Both the dignitaries exchanged the views on bilateral, regional and international issues.

India will help Afghanistan in strengthening its security forces as Kabul prepares to take over the country’s security after withdrawal of foreign forces from its soil.

New Delhi and Kabul on Tuesday elevated their bilateral ties to strategic level which will increase India’s role in reconstructing the war torn Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed the historic pact in New Delhi.