Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Kabul (BNA) The high ranking Afghan delegation, headed by president Karzai visit to India, opened another chapter in already friendly relations between the two countries.
In comparison to previous visit of India by the president, the recent one of great importance. The president of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, during the visit signing several agreements on economic co operations, asked the Indian businessmen to invest in Afghanistan in order to get benefit from the great opportunities provided by huge natural resources here for investment. The interest of Indian investors to invest for exploiting from the natural resources of Afghanistan demonstrates the interest of the economic organs of that country to Afghanistan.
On the other hand, the expansion of economic and political ties between India and Afghanistan would cause concern in the region especially among Pakistani political circles, because that country has been accused for years of having a critical role in exporting terrorism and extremism to Afghanistan, which have reduced the dignity and honor of Pakistan among Afghans. While, India during the hard years the Afghans experiencing, extended its friendship hand and spare no any assistance to Afghanistan. Although the two countries are happy for the improvement of relations, but insist that the expansion of co operations and relations between the two countries, no mean marginalizing the third country.
It should be considered an example for regional cooperation, On the other hand the Afghan authorities have persistently stated that Afghanistan would never be the scene of regional competition and India wants the same. Therefore, there is no place for any concern.
Political analysts believe, economic issues are the priority for the growth of relations among the countries, so they, without any regional political concern, should strengthen their economic ties.
Waheed Mozhda a well known political analyst says, India from economic and political points of view enjoys of having a high place not only in the regional level but in the world as whole. So for maintaining a balance in regional relations, the role of India should be considered deeply as a need.
India presently is engaged in economic competition with a number of countries in the region and Afghanistan needs to use from the competitions properly and skillfully.
Meanwhile, the transit roads between Afghanistan and India exclusively are located in Pakistan territory. So, India and Afghanistan are thinking about finding an alternative transit road in order to rescue from the monopoly of Pakistan. They believe Chahbahar is the best port for Afghanistan and India to achieve their aim, so both countries are thinking about investment there which causes further growth of relations between them.
Mr. Jaweed Kohistani another political analyst says: Afghanistan and India have a long historical and cultural ties and maintaining such tested time relations is of great value for Afghanistan.
Also, Afghanistan and India have a common view on regional issues and both countries like the existing disputes and problems to be settled peacefully and ensure peace and stability which are necessary for social welfare of the peoples of the region.
Likewise, as it mentioned earlier, India as a great economic power in Asia has no any illegal ambition in the region and so far has spent two billions $ in various projects in Afghanistan. So maintaining good and friendly relations with such a country is vital for Afghanistan.
He added that India like Afghanistan is suffering from extremism in its borders, so they have a common enemy which brings them together to fight jointly against terrorism and to build a good ground for mutual cooperation in various fields.
Hamidullah Farouqi an economic analyst says, beside that Afghanistan and India have historical and cultural ties, India has never had any bad intention toward Afghanistan and granted tremendous assistance in rebuilding the infrastructure of war torn Afghanistan. This practically shows the friendly attention of Indian to Afghanistan and its people.
Farouqi says, there is a need for Afghanistan to keep close ties with India as a biggest economic power in the region, in order to use the opportunities that country provides in various fields like commerce, economy, education etc.
Understanding the above facts, Afghan president during his visit to India has signed four agreements on mines, youth affairs, small development projects and fertilizer with India. Also, the president will discuss the possibility of increasing the role of India in training the security forces of Afghanistan with Indian authorities.
India was the first country that Afghanistan signed a strategic agreement with it a year ago.
Khalil Minawi BNA Director
