The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said that India stands beside the Afghan people to strengthen their hands in bringing peace and prosperity to their country. He was speaking at the banquet hosted in the honour of the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mr. Hamid Karzai today (November 12, 2012).

The President said common values of both countries and search for peace have brought India and Afghanistan together in a strategic partnership to face the common challenges. Past, present and future of these two countries bind them together.

The President expressed hope that India's and Afghanistan's shared conviction and faith in peace and progress would help them defeat terrorism and uncertainty. Both countries agree on the need for greater international cooperation against terrorism, especially cross border terrorism emanating from the terrorist sanctuaries. India's other development initiatives in Afghanistan are aimed at assisting the Afghan Government in increasing the capacity of the Afghan government and people to stand on their own feet and to be the makers of their own destiny. India will continue to partner Afghanistan in its reconstruction and development, based on the needs and requirements of Afghanistan Government and its people. India is ready to join hands with other countries in making Afghanistan a focal point of cooperation in development.

The President added that Afghanistan could indeed emerge as a hub of regional cooperation binding us in common endeavors. India would always be there to assist the friendly people of Afghanistan and to further strengthen and deepen strategic relationship.