India will stand by the government and people of Afghanistan in the critical period of transition, development and nation-building, President Pranab Mukherjee told his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai on Tuesday.
The President said India was proud to partner Afghanistan in its efforts towards reconstruction.
Assuring Mr. Karzai, who called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan, of all possible help, Mr. Mukherjee said the two countries should strengthen relations in all areas as prescribed in the Strategic Partnership Agreement. India was prepared to increase contribution to institution-building, training and equipment, Mr. Mukherjee said.
According to Rashtrapati Bhavan officials, Mr. Karzai warmly reciprocated the President’s words.
