KABUL – In a new development India has pledged to increase its assistanceswith the Afghan security and defense forces, a statement from the AfghanNational Security Advisor said.

*Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, who attended the Kabul Processconference, made the pledge at a meeting with NSA Hanif Atmar here.*

The statement said both the sides talked about political and diplomaticrelations between Afghanistan and India.

They also talked about counterterrorism and India’s support to Afghansecurity forces, the source said, Pajhwok news has reported.

Gokhale called the Kabul Process meeting as important for peace andstability in Afghanistan and the region and congratulated the Afghan peopleover the conference’s success.

Talking on behalf of the Indian government, he assured strong support todecisions made at the Kabul process meeting. He also said India was readyto finance some specific infrastructural projects.

On the other hand, Atmar thanked India for its support in various fields inAfghanistan and hailed the Indian people for their cooperation with theAfghans in education and military areas.

He said the role of regional countries, particularly India, was importantin counterterrorism and peace.

The Indian media said Gokhale, who called on President Ashraf Ghani, handedover a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Afghna leader,according to the external affairs ministry.

In his meetings with Afghan leaders and addressing a meeting of ‘KabulProcess’, Gokhale emphasised India’s position that there can be nocompromise with terrorism and action must be taken against those whoprovide safe havens and sanctuaries to terrorists.