India reiterated its commitment and support to Kabul’s efforts towards an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace and reconciliation process at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in New Delhi in September.

According to a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry, the two countries also agreed to strengthen their cooperation at various international fora and decided to work even more closely with their regional and international partners for prosperity, peace, stability and progress in the region. They also expressed determination to strengthen connectivity among the two countries, including through Chabahar port and direct air-freight corridor. Mr Ghani briefed Mr Modi on the initiatives by his government towards peace and reconciliation and also in confronting the challenges of terrorism and extremism imposed on Afghanistan and its people. Mr Modi condemned terrorist attacks and violence in Afghanistan and expressed solidarity with the people and national defence forces in their fight against terrorism.