India and Afghanistan have agreed to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries. A joint statement which was issued on the 2nd meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council between the two countries in New Delhi, said that India agreed to extend further assistance for the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in fighting the scourge of terrorism, organized crime, trafficking of narcotics and money laundering.<br/><br/>External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani co-chaired the meeting. The Council discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and shared understanding and convergence of views on them.The statement said, the Indian side reiterated its support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process.<br/><br/> Both sides stressed on the need to make the regional Transit and Trade Agreement more inclusive and comprehensive by expanding it both northwards and southwards to connect South Asia with Central Asia. <br/><br/>The statement further said, to realize the immense potential of trade and investment, it was agreed to identify products and measures to enhance bilateral trade, including direct trade in gemstones, pharmaceuticals, and agri-products. The liberalization of visa measures by India for Afghan nationals, including decision to grant upto 5 year multiple entry business visa, was welcomed as a measure that would promote bilateral trade and commerce.<br/><br/>Recognising bilateral development cooperation as a key pillar of the strategic partnership, both sides agreed to take up 116 High Impact Community Development Projects to be implemented in 31 provinces of Afghanistan, including in the areas of education, health, agriculture, drinking water, renewable energy, flood control, and administrative infrastructure. <br/><br/>Both sides agreed to have regular meetings of the Joint Working Groups, including to monitor implementation of the decisions taken. Both sides agreed to hold the 3rd meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council in Kabul on mutually convenient dates in 2018.