New Delhi , May 1
Afghanistan today sought India's assistance in not only training its security forces but also equipping them under the strategic partnership agreement so that they were in a position to defend the trouble-torn nation after international forces withdraw from there by the end of 2014.

This was conveyed by Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul to External Affairs Minister S M Krishna at the inaugural session of the India-Afghanistan Partnership Council, which formally set in motion the implementation of the strategic partnership pact signed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Afghan President Hamid Karzai in October last year.

Expanding security and counter-terror cooperation figured prominently in the talks. Issues relating to the safety of nearly 4,000 Indians living in that country and the security of Indian missions and facilities also figured prominently.

Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, Krishna responded favourably to his Afghan counterpart’s suggestion, saying New Delhi had always been unwavering its commitment to assist the people of Afghanistan in their endeavour to build a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous country.

“Let me assure you that while it is a time of change and transformation in the region, India ’s commitment to Afghanistan is neither transitory nor in transition...India's security is intertwined with that of Afghanistan's stability,'' he told Rassoul.

The visiting minister also called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who hoped the strategic partnership between the two countries would be further strengthened in the critical period ahead.

Krishna said India was hopeful that by the time the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and American forces pull out of Afghanistan , the Afghan security forces would be in a position to protect the sovereignty of their nation.

On the process of reconciliation with the Taliban, the Afghan minister said the Afghan government was not looking at the military aspect of dealing with the situation in the country alone but also at the political side in keeping with the decision taken by the Loya Jirga-the governing council of tribal leaders. Talks would be held only with those among the Taliban who respect the Afghan Constitution and recognise the gains made by the country in different areas during the last 10 years of conflict.

On his part, Krishna reminded his Afghan opposite number of the need to adhere to the red lines drawn by the international community for negotiations with the Taliban. The process of reconciliation must be Afghan-led, inclusive and transparent. Talks should be held only with those who snap links with the militia and promise to abide by the constitution. Afghanistan must be prevented from sliding back to safe haven for terrorists and extremist groups, he added.

On the fears expressed by IAF chief Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne that the Taliban or other such groups might shift close to the Indian border with Pakistan at Wagah if the situation deteriorated after the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, Krishna said India was always monitoring developments at its borders.

“We keep a close watch on the situation and take steps to check infiltration by the Taliban or others.’’