PM, Karzai to hold talks on regional security situation

Regional security situation and other key bilateral issues between India and Afghanistan will be discussed during the talks between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November 12.

Though the exact itinerary has not been finalised so far, the Afghan president, who will also deliver the annual Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad annual lecture on November 11, is expected to stay for a couple of days in the country, official sources said.

Apart from the security situation, India and Afghanistan will also discuss a host of bilateral issues, including enhancing developmental partnership between the two countries when Karzai will hold comprehensive talks with the prime minister.

Karzai is also expected to apprise India of the status of peace process and the efforts made by his government to prepare for the post-2014 scenario when Western combat forces will withdraw from Afghanistan.

For Indian side, the security of their nationals and projects will be the focus during the talks, sources said. Indians in Afghanistan include Afghans of Indian origin as well as Indian construction and aid workers involved in rebuilding and humanitarian assistance efforts.

Having committed a $2.3 billion aid program, India is one of the largest donors to Afghanistan, investing in the economy, humanitarian aid, education, development, construction and electrical projects.