End Pakistan-sponsored terror in Afghanistan: Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for an end to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Afghanistan.

Without taking Pakistan's name, Modi said in an address to the parliament here: "Afghanistan will succeed only when terrorism no longer flows across the border, when nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut. Terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan's future or dictate the choices Afghans make," he said.

Modi, who arrived here earlier in the day, said there were some who were not happy over the friendly ties between India and Afghanistan.

"There are some who did not want us to be here. There were those who saw sinister design in our presence here... There are others who were uneasy at the strength of our partnership. Some even tried to discourage us. But we are here because you had faith in us," the prime minister added.

Pakistan has repeatedly expressed uneasiness over India's large diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, with which it shares a long border.

Modi also announced 500 scholarships for the children of Afghan soldiers killed by terrorists.