PM pledges India's support to Afghanistan in talks with Ghani

India today made a strong pitch for a positive and constructive approach from neighbours of Afghanistan including an end to support for violence as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani discussed here key issues including security and connectivity.

Asserting that Indo-Afghan partnership has blossomed despite barriers of geography and hurdles of politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence was in their shared interest.

After the comprehensive talks with Ghani on entire gamut of bilateral ties as well as on key regional and international issues, Modi, at a joint press event with the visiting leader, said he conveyed India's support for his vision for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

"We have a shared interest in the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. This should be conducted within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence.

"It should reinforce the political, economic and social progress of the last fourteen years. And, it should protect the rights and aspirations of all sections of the society, including Afghan women," Modi said.

Without naming Pakistan, which has been accused by the previous Afghan government of supporting violence in Afghanistan, Modi said, "Its (process) success requires a positive and constructive approach from neighbours, including an end to support for violence."

Noting that India deeply values its friendship and the goodwill with Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said the country stands with the people of Afghanistan, as they build a united, stable, democratic and prosperous nation.

"This comes from the responsibility of our friendship. It also stems from our commitment to regional peace and progress.... And, it will not be limited to the period of transition or the decade of transformation. This is an enduring commitment," Modi added.