Kabul: India on Wednesday asked Afghanistan to
muster "courage and conviction" to fight back terrorist
elements like the Taliban, who have been targeting the
"legitimate government" of the country.
"Terrorism and terror-driven forces like the Taliban
have been targeting the legitimate government of Afghanistan.
I think Afghanistan must muster enough courage and conviction
to fight these terrorist elements," External Affairs Minister
S M Krishna told reporters on his arrival here.
Krishna, who is here to attend the inauguration of
President Hamid Karai, said the ceremony was a significant
event.
"I would like to congratulate the people of
Afghanistan for the courage that they have shown in going to
the polling stations to exercise their franchise," he said.
"They (Afghan people) have reiterated their confidence
and commitment to a democratic way of life. India is pleased
with that development. Nonetheless, Afghanistan is going
through a period of great tension and crisis.
"India, as a traditional friend, is involved in
infrastructure development activity in Afghanistan," he said.
Afghan Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta called on
Krishna at the Indian Embassy here.
Bureau Report
First Published: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 23:03