India Committed to Building Afghan Forces

Posted June 1st, 2011 at 10:55 am (UTC-5)
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India says it is committed to helping build up Afghan forces, who are set to take control of Afghanistan's security as international troops begin pulling out of the country this year.

Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony also said his country will also continue to support Afghanistan in its reconstruction and development efforts. Antony made the comments during Wednesday's talks with his Afghan counterpart, Abdul Rahim Wardak, in New Delhi.

The Indian government issued a statement saying Wardak conveyed his appreciation for India's friendship and support of the Afghan people.

The Afghan defense minister is on a three-day visit to India.

India has pledged nearly $2 billion in aid to Afghanistan to help the war-torn country rebuild its parliament, highways, hospitals and energy grid.

During a visit to Afghanistan last month, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he supports the Afghan government's reconciliation efforts with the Taliban.