Ties with Afghanistan not aimed at any other country: India

Jun 03, 2011 |

New Delhi

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India on Friday said its “unique” friendship with Afghanistan is not aimed against any other country, an obvious reference to Pakistan which has been voicing concern over New Delhi’s involvement in rebuilding the war-torn nation.

“Whatever help India is extending to Afghanistan is not against any country. It is a unique relationship. India is willing to extend more training facilities for their armed forces and also support the Afghan Government as per their requirement,” defence minister A.K. Antony told reporters here.

He was replying to queries on his talks with his Afghan counterpart Abdul Rahim Wardak during his recent here.

Emphasising the efforts made by India in Afghanistan, Antony said: “We want to help the people of Afghanistan in their reconstruction efforts. We want a strong democratic government there. They are in transition, they are in difficulties. So as a friend, India is trying to help them in development, reconstruction, education and health.”

Afghan defence minister Wardak’s three-day visit to New Delhi came in the backdrop of increasing terror activities in Pakistan and the killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad.

India has been actively involved in the modernisation programmes in Afghanistan and is viewed as one of its trusted allies.

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