Afghan president calls on Modi, discusses terror, trade ties

NEW DELHI: Dealing with cross-border terrorism, especially a firm resolve to ensure closure of state-sponsored terror sanctuaries, topped the agenda for India-Afghanistan dialogue on Tuesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani for what was the latter's fourth visit to India in the past three years.
The two countries also held detailed discussions on regional connectivity and trade with Modi telling Ghani that India is ready to receive Afghan trucks at the Wagah/ Attari border.Ghani warned Islamabad, while addressing a gathering later at the Vivekananda International Foundation, that Afghanistan will restrict Pakistan's access to central Asia if it prevented the Afghan trucks from accessing the Indo-Pak border.
Speaking at length on the issue of terrorism, Ghani said it was time now for Pakistan to make a choice. Identifying terrorism as a major challenge facing the region, Ghani, in a clear reference to Pakistan, said unfettered support is being provided to terror groups which are destabilising the entire region.
"Sanctuaries are provided, logistics are provided, training is provided, ideological base is provided...Pakistan has come to a juncture and it needs to make a choice," he said. "Our reaction will be determined by its choices," he added.
Ghani said the new South Asia strategy announced by the Trump Administration was a "game changer" as it recommends multi- dimensional condition-based approach for the region. "And it (the strategy) singled out India for engagement in this approach," he said.
Asked about defence cooperation with India, he referred to supply of four attack helicopters to Afghan Air Force by India.
"Our collaboration with India is very open. We are delighted with the four helicopters. More Mi 35 helicopters are welcome," he said. The Afghan president also said that Kabul wanted a "push back from Pakistan vis-a-vis the Taliban and not a peace process managed with them by Islamabad.
According to a statement issued by India, the support extended by India in the defence and security fields, including training of thousands of Afghan defence and security personnel, was positively assessed with India agreeing to extend further assistance depending upon the needs of the Afghan defence and police forces.
The talks took place hours before the arrival of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who wants India to expand its economic and developmental assistance to Afghanistan.
In the meeting, Modi reiterated India's support for a negotiated political reconciliation in Afghanistan that is Afghan- led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. It was emphasised that renunciation of violence and terror; and closure of cross border safe havens and sanctuaries were essential for any meaningful progress and lasting peace.
"Both sides agreed that the recent convergence and alignment of views at regional and international arenas have created opportunities for bringing peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. It was agreed to further deepen the bilateral strategic dialogue and consultations at all levels in order to achieve the shared objectives," said the statement issued by India.
Issues related to connectivity were discussed in detail. The establishment of the air freight corridor was acknowledged as an important factor in providing Afghan farmers a direct and easy access to the Indian market. The government said that efforts for early operationalisation of the Chahabahar Port, including the shipments of wheat in coming weeks to Afghanistan through the Port, was considered as a step that would shape new trade and transit opportunities for landlocked Afghanistan.