International forces should continue remain in Afghanistan: Krishna

Kabul, Nov 19(ANI): Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said here on Thursday that international forces should continue to stay in Afghanistan to bring about a balance in that country.

Interacting with the media here, Krishna said: "India believes that international forces have played a major role in Afghanistan and they need to continue to play a major role. And I hope countries, including the US should stay in Afghanistan to bring about a balance."

Krishna is here to attend the swearing in ceremony of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai. Karzai will commence his second term from today.

Reiterating India's stand on the Taliban Krishna said: "India has conveyed through various channels that Taliban is a terror organization. It (India) considers Taliban as another terror outfit that is functioning both in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He asked Afghanistan to keep India's views in mind while dealing with the Taliban.

"Afghanistan will have to keep this in mind while dealing with Taliban," Krishna said.

"Terror and terror driven forces like Taliban have been targeting the legitimate government of Afghanistan. Afghanistan must muster enough courage to fight terror," he added.

Reiterating India's commitment to Afghanistan's development Krishna said: "Afghanistan going through difficult times. As a true friend, India is involved in infrastructure development, laying railway lines, building bridges, etc."

Krishna also congratulated the Afghanistan people for reposing faith in the democratic process.

"The event of swearing in for the second time in Afghanistan is a significant event for India. We have had civilization links, vibrant and cordial relationship. Congratulate the people for voting and reposing faith in democratic process," he said. By Ravi Shankar (ANI)