Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai arrives in New Delhi for a two day visit. Both countries will hold talks to discuss bilateral and strategic relationships. Both countries are also looking for the exploration of mineral resources.
President Hamid Karzai visits India just after the assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani. Both the leaders are expected to discuss the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and the role of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in fomenting instability in the country by supporting the Haqqani network.
According to diplomatic sources, the Afghan government’s assessment is that it is futile to rely on Pakistan as it is hand-in-glove with the Haqqani group, an outfit that is closely allied with the Taliban, and there is need to have deeper ties in key areas with India.
Afghanistan alleged Pakistan is behind the assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani, meanwhile, Mr. Karzai in a recent statement said his government will work closely with the US, Europe and India to plan the country’s future.
Dr. Singh and Mr. Karzai will also discuss the fate of the reconciliation efforts in the backdrop of the 20 September killing of Rabbani, a former President who was heading the Afghan High Council that was shepherding negotiations with the Taliban.
President Karzai is also expected to deliver a speech at the distinguished OBSERVER Research Foundation on key issues including the gains and challenges ahead as well as the peace efforts in the country. The speech would also focus on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and the region. The visit also comes amid souring US-Pakistan relations which have plunged to a new low after fresh disclosures about the role of Pakistan-backed Haqqani network and ISI in attacks against Americans.
