Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that both New Delhi and Kabul had new governments in place which look to former Afghan President Hamid Karzai as a mentor for guidance in the furtherance of bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Modi, who had a telephonic conversation with Karzai today, recalled his contribution to the strengthening of India-Afghanistan relations.
He congratulated Karzai for his leadership in ensuring a historic and peaceful political transition and formation of a National Unity Government in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Modi said that this would not have been possible without Karzai's wisdom, courage and foresight. He noted that under Karzai, Afghanistan had achieved huge progress in its quest to build a strong, peaceful, inclusive, prosperous and democratic Afghanistan.
"The way President Karzai had successfully steered Afghanistan on the path of peace, prosperity and stability during a very difficult period, would never be forgotten," he noted.
Karzai said that he deeply cherishes his long association with India.
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"No other country in the world had done as much for Afghanistan as India had despite constraints of resources," he said and expressed confidence that the new government in Afghanistan will continue to attach the highest priority to strengthening of relations between both sides.
Prime Minister Modi said Karzai will always remain a special friend for India which was like a second home to him. He invited Karzai to undertake an early visit to India. Karzai said that he looks forward to visiting India soon.