President Ghani to Visit India amid Recent Deadly Violence

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to visit India on Tuesday at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Presidential Palace said Monday.

During one-day visit, Ghani will meet with Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Modi, will discuss on various issues including trade & transit and regional security, said Presidential Spokesman Shah Hussian Murtazawi.

Ghani will also give a public address at Vivekanand International Foundation, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The visit will build upon the recent high level bilateral exchanges between the two countries, including the visits of Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on September, the statement said.

“Both sides will have the opportunity to review the entire gamut of multifaceted bilateral strategic partnership, including the New Development Partnership; hold consultations and coordinate on furthering the shared objective of promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan and efforts to combat the menace of terrorism; and discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest,” the Indian statement  added. 

The visit comes after last week’s deadly terror attacks in different parts of the country that left over 200 killed and 300 more injured. The Defense Ministry said that the U.S. pressure on Pakistan and the Taliban has caused the violence be increased in the country.

“Ghani’s visit of India is to consolidate further the relationship with countries that are Afghanistan’s allies,” said Shekib Muntaziri, an expert on international relations. Adding that the trip is also aims towards the implementation of the U.S. strategy with coordination of India.