These will be a challenge as the security situation is so sensitive. The chief election commissioner has announced elections will be held on August 20. The real candidates will appear closer to elections. The political scene is, meanwhile, hotting up. We have an interesting period ahead.

The most important is that elections should be fair and free. The international community is working together to ensure that. India has contributed to the election process in the past. The two election commissions have been working closely sharing experiences. We have to nurture the election process, especially since these are the early days of democracy in Afghanistan.

Are you hopeful about the success of the US-led NATO troops in Afghanistan?

I am hopeful simply because as India's representative in Afghanistan, I am in the business of being hopeful.

Our mission here is a mission of hope. We would not be risking our lives otherwise.

What is India's vision of the security situation in Afghanistan? What are the one, two, threes of it?

The 1-2-3 of it are simple and obvious. The Afghan national security forces themselves should be strengthened and empowered and equipped to handle the security of the Afghan people. That is the first thing to do.

Post-2001, for the first five years, some imagined that security could be sub-contracted to foreigners and that Afghanistan did not need a proper army.

Number two: As the Afghan government itself says, the war against terrorism in Afghanistan cannot be addressed without addressing the question of safe havens and sanctuaries and training camps that support and sustain the terrorist groups.

And number three: Don't ever compromise with terrorists and their organisations.

That means India will not like a Swat-type solution. Why can't it happen in Afghanistan with a faction of the Taliban?

It could happen. But with individuals and factions that have given up the ideology of Al Qaeda and the Taliban. With those that are ready to come overground, lay down their arms and embrace the democratic system. With those that choose to be wedded to the constitution. With those who respect diversity, pluralism, women and human rights.

In the land where the fear of Al Qaeda and the Taliban exists, how is life in Kabul?

As I said, the conditions are tough. But there are compensations. Afghan brothers and sisters are open-hearted. And hospitable.

The absence of avenues of amusement induces greater interaction among members of the diplomatic community. In a diplomatic mission like ours, there is so much to do that we have little free time beyond work. In the present circumstances that is welcome.

All India-based staff work a six-day week in Afghanistan voluntarily. And the officers work all the time.

It is exciting to be in Kabul because there is so much to do.

How about normal Afghans?

Oh yes, they lead as normal a life as possible. The Afghan people have the same hopes and aspirations, the same joys and pleasures, as men, women and children anywhere else.

Marriages are celebrated in a big way, as in India. When you pass public monuments, you find newly married couples posing for photographs.

The defiance and resilience of the Afghan people is the most wonderful thing for any foreigner to see.

Image: A district officer in Badakhshan with Indian solar panels.

Also see: 'Americans should not be called occupiers'

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