India's External affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj underlined India's commitment to Afghanistan's stability and development in the Fifth Heart of Asia meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday. Speaking at the Heart of Asia summit in Islamabad, she said that India's vision of Heart of Asia is one of inter-linked trade, transit, energy & communication routes, with Afghanistan as an important hub.
Sushma Swaraj further added that nothing can benefit Afghanistan more than full and direct overland access to India's markets. Expressing India's willingness to join Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade & Transit Agreement, Swaraj said India is working with Afghanistan & Iran to develop trilateral transit through development of the Chahbahar Port.
The external affairs minister also acknowledged the role of Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani & CEO Dr Abdullah Abdullah in building on former President Karzai's work for peaceful, democratic & inclusive governance. The external affairs minister said that India is ready to work with Afghanistan to strengthen its defensive capabilities. During her address at the Heart of Asia Summit, the External affairs minister also extended hand to Pakistan.
Sushma in her speech said that it is the time that both India and Pakistan should display the maturity and self confidence to do business with each other and strengthen regional trade and cooperation, she further added that we should not disappoint people as the entire world is waiting and rooting for a change. External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today also met Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Summit. Both sides reviewed bilateral ties including transit. They also discussed terror threat in Afghanistan & status of peace & reconciliation process.
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