Delhi pledges more aid, investment for Kabul

NEW DELHI, Feb 3: The leaders of India and Afghanistan agreed on Thursday that the strategic partnership between the two countries was a positive factor for peace and stability in the region. A joint statement issued after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Afghan President Hamid Karzai said they had discussed "the common threat faced by both their societies from terrorism". They "agreed that the strategic partnership between India and Afghanistan is a positive factor for peace and stability in the region," the statement said. India "reiterated its long-term commitment to the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," it said. Mr Singh told Mr Karzai he would provide scholarships for Afghan students and encourage Indian investment in Afghanistan. The two leaders also discussed ways to stabilise Afghanistan as the date for the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan draws closer. The US plans to start withdrawing troops in July with the aim of handing over responsibility for the country`s security to Afghan forces. Nato aims to pull all its troops out by 2014. Over the past decade, India has spent more than $1 billion to help rebuild Afghanistan`s war-ravaged infrastructure by building roads, schools, hospitals and dams. India is also involved in training the country`s police forces, lawmakers and its diplomatic corps. —Agencies