India, Afghanistan discuss key bilateral, regional issues

NEW DELHI: India and Afghanistan today discussed key bilateral and regional issues including the security situation in the war-torn country amid India's commitment to strengthen the defence capability of that country.

During foreign office consultations today which were led by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Deputy Afghan Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and various aspects of regional security, particularly the menace of terrorism.

"A Neighbour & a Friend. Foreign Secretary & Dy FM Hekmat Karzai lead #IndiaAfghanistan Foreign Office Consultations," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

The consultations came close on the heels of a visit by Afghan National Security Advisor Hanif Atmar last week during which he had held discussions with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar as well as his counterpart Ajit Doval.

During Atmar's visit, the two countries had discussed ways and means to enhance cooperation to strengthen Afghanistan's defence capability for safeguarding its security and combating all forms of terrorism.