Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said New Delhi shares Afghanistan's pain over persisting terrorism and extremist violence that destroy lives and derail progress.
"I thank him for our cooperation against terrorism. We are deeply grateful to the Afghan security forces, who protect our people in Afghanistan as they would their own," he said in his address at the joint press briefing with Afghan President Dr. Ashraf Ghani.
Prime Minister Modi said India admires the courage and resolve of the Afghan people to seek a future of peace and prosperity.
"The partnership has blossomed despite barriers of geography and politics. It is an enduring commitment," said Prime Minister Modi.
"We have a shared interest in the success of an Afghan-led and owned process, within framework of the Afghan Constitution. We share Afghanistan's pain over persisting terrorism and extremist violence that destroy lives and derail progress," he added.
Prime Minister Modi said India will continue its support for capacity building of the Afghan security forces.
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"We are prepared to continue our support for capacity building of Afghan security forces. I am pleased that we have delivered three Cheetal Helicopters to Afghanistan, which will add to the growing capabilities of the valiant Afghan Forces," said Prime Minister Modi.
"Excellency, Afghanistan's success is a much deserved destiny of Afghan people. But, it is also vital for the world. In the troubles of our times, it has acquired added importance," he added.
Prime Minister Modi said the Afghan President's visit has added new momentum to the partnership between both sides.
"India will walk shoulder to shoulder with you and the Afghan people in a mission of global importance. Your visit has added new momentum to our partnership," he said.
Prime Minister Modi said that he and President Ghani discussed the historic efforts to rebuild his nation.
"We in India admire the courage and resolve of the Afghan people to seek a future of peace and prosperity. They are succeeding against huge challenges," he added.
Prime Minister Modi said the relationship between India and Afghanistan is not just between two countries or governments.
"It is a timeless link of human hearts," he added.
The Prime Minister emphasized that New Delhi deeply values the friendship and the goodwill of the Afghan people.
"Every Indian, in turn, holds the Afghan people in the highest affection and esteem. This is why we stand with the people of Afghanistan, as they build a united, stable, democratic and prosperous nation," said Prime Minister Modi.
"This comes from the responsibility of our friendship. It also stems from our commitment to regional peace and progress," he added.
Prime Minister Modi said the partnership between both nations has blossomed despite barriers of geography and hurdles of politics.
"Fourteen years ago, we started a new chapter in our relationship, in a new era for Afghanistan, under the leadership of President Karzai," said Prime Minister Modi.
"We will continue this journey in partnership with President Ghani and his National Unity Government with Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah.
And, it will not be limited to the period of transition or the decade of transformation. This is an enduring commitment," he added.
Prime Minister Modi further said the peaceful democratic transition last year is a great boost for Afghanistan's progress.
"It reflected the faith in democracy of the brave Afghan people and great wisdom of the nation's political leadership. Preserving the mandate and political unity will be important for the country's future," he added.
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed India's support for President Ghani's vision for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
"We have a shared interest in the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. This should be conducted within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence," Prime Minister Modi said.
"It should reinforce the political, economic and social progress of the last fourteen years. And, it should protect the rights and aspirations of all sections of the society, including Afghan women. Its success requires a positive and constructive approach from neighbours, including an end to support for violence," he added.
The Prime Minister said President Ghani shared his impressive vision for Afghanistan's prosperity, based on its talent, resources and location.
"We believe that Afghanistan's direct surface link to India and the rest of South Asia and increased to sea could turn Afghanistan into a hub that connects Asia's diverse regions and beyond," said Prime Minister Modi.
"We are ready to welcome Afghan trucks at the ICP Attari. We are also prepared to join the successor agreement to Afghan Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement. This will re-establish one of the oldest trading routes of South Asia," he added.
Prime Minister Modi said that he also reaffirmed his commitment to take the Chahbahar Port project in Iran forward.
"We will also quickly conclude a bilateral Motor Vehicles Agreement. We will expand our development partnership, which includes infrastructure, agriculture, connectivity, human resource development, community projects and humanitarian assistance. We will explore new trade and investment opportunities," Prime Minister Modi said.
"Afghan children have a special focus in our efforts. Today, I conveyed fresh support for Habibia School in Kabul, the Indira Gandhi Child Health Care Hospital and Red Crescent Society Fund for treatment of children with congenital heart disease," he added.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the devastating earthquake in Nepal and assured the neighbouring nation that they were not alone at this moment of tragedy.
"We are meeting in the shadow of the horrible calamity in Nepal. President Ghani and I speak for our two countries, South Asia and the world to the people of Nepal: Your courage and humanity has earned the respect of the world. And, you are not alone at this moment of tragedy and trial," said Prime Minister Modi.
"We will do everything possible with rescue and relief. And, we will certainly be there when you rebuild your lives and reconstruct your homes and heritage," he added.
