Khurshid was in Afghanistan to review the progress of various projects being undertaken by India in the embattled nation as part of its two billion dollar assistance. His visit is being seen as the last high-level contact between the two countries before the General Election in both countries.

India is quite concerned over the scenario likely to evolve in Afghanistan after the withdrawal by NATO troops later this year. Despite the uncertain situation and terror attacks on Indian interests, New Delhi has decided to stay the course in the embattled nation.

Khurshid’s visit is also significant against the backdrop of a running feud between the Afghan President and the United States over the proposed Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) that will permit the limited presence of American forces in Afghanistan even after the drawdown.

Underlining that India supported a ‘genuine Afghan owned, Afghan led and Afghan controlled’ reconciliation process in Afghanistan, Khurshid said the situation provided to members of the armed opposition groups willing to give up terror and abide by the Afghan Constitution an opportunity to participate as equal citizens in Afghanistan’s national life.

“The main threat to Afghanistan’s security and its internal stability is terrorism and extremism that continues to target the people of Afghanistan. We too have been facing this threat for many years, and understand the importance in times like these of friends and strategic partners forging the closest of cooperation to defeat this evil,” he said.