India assures full support to Afghanistan in critical period of transition of nation building

India has assured its full support to Afghanistan in the critical period of transition, development and nation-building.

The visiting Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai called on President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here last evening.

During the meeting, Mukherjee said India would stand by the Government and the people of Afghanistan in the critical period of transition, development and nation-building.

"India is proud to partner the Government and people of Afghanistan in their efforts towards reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," he added.

The President said we should strengthen and deepen India-Afghanistan relations in all areas as prescribed in the Strategic Partnership Agreement.

"India is prepared to increase bilateral contribution to institution-building, training and equipment to the extent India can," he added.

The Afghan President warmly reciprocated the President's words and said India is amongst the closest of countries to Afghanistan and according to many surveys the country most liked by the Afghan people.

"India-Afghan relations stand today on solid cemented grounds. Our relations are greater than any time before," Karzai added.