NEW DELHI- The External Affairs Minister of India Sushma Swaraj held talkswith Defense Minister Lt General Tariq Shah Bahrami in New Delhi on Friday.

India’s External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that the two sidesdiscussed Afghanistan’s peace process and efforts to combat cross borderterrorism.

The ministry said Bahrami shared his assessment of Afghan government’srecent initiatives for internal reconciliation and efforts to fightterrorism, which receives support from safe havens and sanctuaries beyondAfghanistan.

The Afghan defense minister also “highlighted” that the Afghan people andgovernment would like India to continue to play a “greater role” in thecountry.

Bahrami also talked about efforts being made by Kabul to fight the menaceof poppy cultivation and drugs trafficking that funds terror against thepeople of Afghanistan, the ministry said.

“Afghanistan deeply appreciates the positive and constructive supportextended by India for economic development and reconstruction inAfghanistan and to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces,” theministry added.

Swaraj meanwhile appreciated the courage of the Afghan forces in defendingtheir country and making supreme sacrifices, the ministry said.

“She conveyed India’s support for the efforts of the government and thepeople of Afghanistan for building a peaceful, secure, stable, united,inclusive and prosperous nation. India remains committed to its NewDevelopment Partnership according to the priorities of Afghanistan,” thestatement said.