NEW DELHI - Visiting U S Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday praised India’s humanitarian and reconstruction work in war torn Afghanistan.
Speaking to the media here, Gates said: “The President’s strategy represents a long term commitment to the Afghan people and the people of all South Asia. I express my appreciation for India’s contributions to the mission and I believe India’s ongoing economic development support in Afghanistan is vital.”
“The scale of what we are trying to do requires many nations working in concert. Going forward, India can be an anchor for regional and global security,” he added.
With Pakistan time and again raising the questions over India’s role in Afghanistan, Gates felt that it was necessary for both countries to maintain transparency in each other’s activities in that country.
India is the largest regional investor in Afghanistan, having committed more than 2.2 billion US dollars for reconstruction purposes.
Earlier, the Afghan Foreign Ministry had described India as a brother country.
India’s support and collaboration extends to rebuilding of air links, power plants and investing in health and education sectors as well as helping to train Afghan civil servants, diplomats and police.
India also seeks to development of supply lines of electricity, oil and natural gas. (ANI)
Related News
Gates to convince Pak about India's 'greater role' in AfghanistanJanuary 20th, 2010 ISLAMABAD - US Defence Secretary Robert Gates will be arriving in Pakistan on Thursday (January 21) with an aim to convince the Pakistani leadership of India's 'greater role' in Afghanistan and allay Islamabad's apprehensions on the issue. While the US considers India an important ally that can play a major role in stabilising war torn Afghanistan and is eyeing a military role for it, Pakistan has raised serious objections over New Delhi's involvement in developmental works in that country.
Al-Qaeda planning to target India: GatesJanuary 20th, 2010 NEW DELHI - United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday warned India about the possibility of it facing more terror strikes from Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Gates who is visiting India, told the media persons: "The LeT which is operating in league with al-Qaeda is dangerous for the whole region of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India."
Gates said terror groups were planning more attacks on India to destablise the country and only cooperation among all the countries will lead to the reduction and if possible elimination of the threat.
US Defense Secretary travelling to India in 'run-down' military aircraftJanuary 19th, 2010 WASHINGTON - US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who is arriving in New Delhi tonight, is travelling in a military plane that has a run-down feel about it. According to media accompanying the CIA and White House veteran who has served seven presidents and is regarded as "very big fish" in Washington and well beyond, the military aircraft though fitted with all the accoutrements, has something of the feel of a run-down hospital ward.
Gates to ask Islamabad to stop criticising US drone strikes publiclyJanuary 18th, 2010 WASHINGTON - US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, who will arrive in Pakistan with a 125-member delegation this week, is likely to urge Islamabad to stop publicly criticising US drone attacks, as it would further increase the anti-American sentiments in the country. The two-day talks between Gates' delegation and the Pakistani officials is also expected to discuss military supply routes to Afghanistan through Pakistan, and the expansion of its military presence at the US embassy in Pakistan.
AP Exclusive: Gates will remain at Pentagon at least through 2010January 7th, 2010 more images
more images
more images
more images
AP Exclusive: Gates to stay at Pentagon this year
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's most prominent holdover from the Bush administration — Defense Secretary Robert Gates — is staying on for at least another year. Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell told The Associated Press late Thursday that Gates and Obama agreed last month that Gates would stay on as Pentagon chief.
