ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday once again accused some forces in Pakistan of facilitating cross-border terror attacks in Afghanistan, and also said that there are a few who don’t want to see India-Afghan partnership strengthened.
“Afghanistan will succeed only when terrorism no longer flows across the border; when nurseries and sanctuaries of terrorism are shut; and, their patrons are no longer in business,” Modi said in Kabul in an apparent reference to Pakistan which India and the US have for long accused of backing terror groups like the Haqqani Network in Afghanistan.
Modi was in Kabul for a day-long visit to inaugurate the newly-built Afghan Parliament.
“There are some who did not want us to be here. There were those who saw sinister designs in our presence here. There are others who were uneasy at the strength of our partnership. Some even tried to discourage us,” the Indian premier further said while addressing a session of both houses of Afghanistan’s Parliament, according to Hindustan Times.
Pakistan has long seen India’s role and the number of its consulates in Afghanistan with a suspicious eye.
Narendra Modi said that the Afghan people had never doubted the sincerity of India’s commitment and they had seen the “fruits of our partnership”.
“You have judged us by what you see, not what others tell you, including about the mysterious Indian consulates,” he said.
The Indian prime minister further said that Afghanistan needs help of all neighbouring countries for its success, and also expressed hope that Pakistan will act as a bridge in South Asia.
“Pakistan will become a bridge between South Asia and Afghanistan and beyond,” Modi hoped.
Modi’s Kabul stay was followed by his brief visit to Lahore where he surprisingly arrived and held talks with his Pakistani Counterpart Nawaz Sharif at his residence in Jati Umra, Raiwind.
The Indian premier wished Sharif a happy birthday and also congratulated him on the wedding of his grand daughter.
