Moscow, Nov 13: In a thinly veiled message to Pakistan, India and Russia today demanded non-interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan and expressed concern over the escalation of subversive and terrorist activities by remnants of Taliban and al Qaeda. Regrouping of Taliban with support from outside is a most worrisome development, a joint statement issued at the end of the three-day visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee here said.
The two sides also voiced concern over the large increase in production of narcotics in Afghanistan and illegal drug trafficking.
The statement, issued after wide ranging summit talks between Vajpayee and President Vladimir Putin, said the two countries expressed full support to all international efforts aimed at reconstruction and emergence of Afghanistan as peaceful, strong, prosperous, united and independent nation.
Stressing that "non-interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan is a crucial factor in the return of peace and stability", they called upon its "neighbouring" states to adhere to their commitments as outlined in the Kabul declaration on good neighbourly relations signed on December 22, 2002. Bureau Report