Will do everything within means to promote Kabul's security: India

NEW DELHI: India today said it will do "everything" within its means to promote security and stability of Afghanistan, a day after Afghan President Hamid Karzai gave a "wish list" of military equipment to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on bolstering defence ties.


Refusing to divulge whether Karzai had asked for supply of lethal weaponry from India during his meeting with Singh, as was demanded by Afghan envoy to India Shaida M Abdali ahead of the visit, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said the leaders agreed that both countries will work toegther and "will do all within their means to promote stability and security in Afghanistan".

"As Afghanistan moves towards its critical security, political and economic transition, which are also marked by a draw-down of the NATO forces and scheduled Presidential elections in 2014, we feel that the strategic partnership between Afghanistan and India can play an important and crucial role in providing security and stability to Afghanistan," Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.

He added "India is ready to stand by Afghanistan through these transitions and will play a due and responsible role in this regard".

Earlier in the day, Karzai, while interacting with journalists, said "we have a wish list that we have put before the government of India" in the meeting yesterday with Prime Minister Singh.

Staring at a complete withdrawal of foreign combat troops by the end of next year, Afghanistan is keen to enhance defence cooperation with India and supply of lethal and non- lethal military equipment.

Asked about the outcome of Karzai's visit, Akbaruddin said the assessment was that such visits and regular consultations strengthen bilateral relations.

"Karzai's visit in our assessment further strengthened the strategic partnership between India and Afghanistan. Our assessment is that this was a visit which did enhance our strategic partnership," he said.