Root out 'syndicate of terrorism' from Afghanistan: India

United Nations, Jun 28: India today called for rooting out

,

and LeT from Afghanistan charging them of running a "syndicate of

" that gets support from beyond the war-ravaged country's borders.

Terrorism "draws upon the ideological, financial and logistical support from beyond Afghanistan's borders," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri said at the UN Security Council debate on Afghanistan here.

"We need concerted action to isolate and root out the syndicate of terrorism which includes elements of the al-Qaeda, Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terrorist and extremist groups," he said.

He said the international community needs to create an enabling environment where the Afghan people can live in peace and security and decide their future themselves, without outside interference, coercion and intimidation.

"Moving forward, we need sustained international commitment to strengthen the Afghan government's capacity for governance, security and economic development. Enhanced developmental assistance and foreign investments in Afghanistan and building regional linkages are critical in ensuring an irreversible transition in that country," he added.

Puri's remarks came as India readies to host the Delhi Investment Summit on Afghanistan in New Delhi today.

The objective of this Summit is to attract foreign investment into Afghanistan in the light of new opportunities opening up in various sectors in that country.

The Summit will include presentations by the Government of Afghanistan and others on the investment climate and opportunities in Afghanistan and panel discussions on cross-cutting issues as well as sector specific themes.

Potential regional and international investors, including Indian companies, will participate in the event.

"We see the Delhi Investment Summit as a critical link between the Istanbul Process and the Tokyo Conference on Jul 8. The Summit will also be helpful in countering the current narrative of anxiety of withdrawal and in reversing it with a narrative of opportunity and hope," he added.

PTI