NEW DELHI – Afghanistan’s Ambassador to India Dr. Shaida Abdali surpriseresignation has stunned President Ashraf Ghani.

Abdali resigned on Wednesday from his office during the visit of country’sPresident Ashraf Ghani to New Delhi.

The surprising move comes on the same day Afghanistan’s President AshrafGhani met India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit, raisingspeculations of differences between Abadalid and the government.

Sharing his resignation letter on Twitter, Abdali wrote: “Stepping Down – Atough but an appealing decision: On a high note ending a successful visitof HE the Afghan President in India, I resigned today as the AfghanAmbassador to India. Serving in India for more than six years was indeed agreat honor and privilege for which I’m deeply grateful to the friendlypeople and govt. of India”

He added, “Serving my country for years in India, I felt the need to returnand serve my country from within. During my tenure, I have had the honor ofwitnessing our relations going from strength to strength.”