Context
India and Afghanistan signed a strategic partnership agreement on Tuesday; the pact was signed between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Afghan President Hamid Karzai during talks in Delhi. The agreement will increase economic and trade cooperation and boost security ties.
Analysis
“Afghanistan recognizes the danger this region is facing through terrorism and the radicalism that is being used as an instrument of policy against civilians and innocent citizens of our country,” Karzai said.
It will also enhance social and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Two separate deals relating to mining and energy have also been signed by the two head of states.
The agreement comes as relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to remain strained. Kabul blames Pakistan for the assassination of former president and Afghan envoy Burhanuddin Rabbani, an allegation Islamabad denies.
