India can play important role in Afghanistan: UN chief

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today favored a greater role by India in Afghanistan, saying it can help ensure peace, prosperity and stability in the war- ravaged country which has been facing security challenges after NATO ended its 13-year combat mission.
In an address at the Indian Council of World Affairs here, he also said that India can play a "huge role" in enhancing security in entire South Asia while identifying terrorism and radicalisation as major challenge being faced by the region.
"Continuing instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan is not only the responsibility of these two nations. These challenges should be addressed through greater bilateral parleys," Ban said.

He said India can play an important role in meeting security challenges of the region including in Afghanistan. "The security challenges in Afghanistan cannot be solved by military process," he said adding India can support the country significantly.
India has invested USD two billion in aid and reconstruction and trained scores of Afghan officers but has been careful in supply of arms and military hardware to the country.
Afghanistan has been pressing for supply of military hardware by India to enhance strengthen its security forces but India has been maintaining caution over it apprehending that such supplies may provoke Pakistan as well as armed groups in Afghanistan.

Talking about South Asia, Ban said India has a huge role to play in the region and said "Political leaders must put aside long-standing grievances and resolve old disputes, especially in case of India and Pakistan.