In the world entitled global village, any state can not survive in utter isolation –henceforth foreign relation carves the significant most position in international politics. During the first seven months in office, President Ashraf Ghani has been to Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and China. To renovate the foreign relation of Afghanistan with India with the elements of reliance, alliance and timeless companionship, President Ashraf Ghani accompanied by long list of ministers are paying a three-day official visit to India these days. Earlier he received an official ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Indian president’s residency when he reached in India. Subsequently, he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
The premier of two states discussed scores of issues with inclusion to security matters, economic ties and regional issues standing on top of the list. Following the resumption of office of presidency it is president Ghani’s first state visits to India structured to chalk out bilateral relations and future course of action on key issues such as security and the matters related to the Taliban.
The gesture exercised by president depicts, the politics of favorite is put an end to, is a mark shift in foreign policy. Earlier, while speaking to a local Indian TV channel early, President Ghani said: “Afghanistan is going to be a platform for regional and global cooperation, not a battlefield for proxy wars.” Undoubtedly, Afghanistan can serve bridging resources rich central Asian countries with developing countries of south Asian and the rest of the world. The TAPI gas project that involves transportation of gas from Tajikistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, is potentially important project that readily fulfills the energy requirement of developing India. Consequently, it wants to improve transport connectivity and economic collaboration with countries in Central and South Asia.
Bilateral relations between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of India have traditionally been strong and friendly. India after the overthrow of the Taliban regime became the largest regional provider of humanitarian and reconstruction aid to Afghanistan. Indians are working in various construction projects, as part of India’s rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan. During the 15th SAARC summit in Colombo, India pledged another USD $450 million alongside a further US$750 million already pledged for ongoing and forthcoming projects. The Ghani-Modi meeting is expected to provide India with the opportunity to reinforce its commitment to Afghanistan – a country it has supported extensively over the years in terms of providing aid. To date it has invested over $2 billion USD in Afghanistan – making it the country’s fifth largest donor.
Afghanistan is a mineral rich country while India is an industrialized state; like many other developed states she is searching a market for its goods, certainly Afghanistan can serve to be the desired state. Afghanistan certainly is the land of opportunities, it therefore many countries are seeking to expand their economic and political presence.
The president’s visit to India will certainly cast positive impact on Kabul-Dehli political ties provided earlier president Ghani suspended the arms purchase deal with India. Following this development it was assumed the Kabul relations derailed with Dehli. Nonetheless, the analysts view the president’s trip to India as a good opportunity to expand Kabul-New Delhi relations. Some analysts however assume, Afghanistan deepening inclination towards Pakistan, to table peace talks with Taliban has impacted the Kabul-New Delhi relations.
But a number of MPs have called this trip an important one that will help balance Afghanistan’s foreign policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that close relations between Kabul and Islamabad has had no impact on Kabul-New Delhi relations and that the president’s trip to India will result in further expansion of political and trade relations between the two countries.
Ghani’s first trip to India is seen as crucial as it aims to expand trade and economic relations between the two countries and to specifically encourage investment in Afghanistan and to secure the continuation of aid to Afghanistan.
Later the two premiers during press conference reaffirmed their commitment and ties by extending greater support and confidence on each other. Ghani emphasized that Kabul and New Delhi could build their future based on their historic relations. “The relationship between India and Afghanistan is not just between two countries or governments. It is a timeless link of human hearts,” Modi noted.
The talks between the two premiers underlined many assurances from president Modi, given he assured Afghan trucks would be allowed to use the Attari border which is situated 3 kilometer from Indo-Pakistani border at Wahgah. The easing of this border will facilitate Afghan traders transporting their goods to Indian markets and their items to Afghan market. He assured the students that government would resolve their issues regarding payments, passports and visas. Pointing to his country’s contribution to Afghanistan’s reconstruction over the past decade, Modi assured Ghani to continue assistance to rebuilding the war-ravaged country.
The terrorism and extremism will turn malicious to both Afghanistan and India; its consequently Mr. Modi renewed India’s continued assistance to Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism and extremism. Modi, on his part, pledged continued commitment to developing both land and sea trade routes with the country.