New Delhi will continue to pursue its vision of stabilizing Afghanistan through trade, investment and regional cooperation. This assurance was given by the External Affairs Minister, Mr S M Krishna while addressing the Delhi Investment Summit on Afghanistan in New Delhi today. He also invited international investors and regional countries to join this vision for Afghanistan individually or in partnership with others. Justifying India's stand, Mr Krishna stressed the need to offer a narrative of opportunity to counter the anxiety of uncertainty, instability and foreign interference. He said investments can provide the hope for employment, training and opportunity for the future.
Mr Krishna said this is the first ever investment meet in India for another country. He said the strong response of the Indian business community to the event is a sign of the closeness and solidarity with its neighbor with whom New Delhi shares a long history and civilizational ties.

The External Affairs Minister said India has relaxed customs duties for Afghanistan's exports as part of an initiative for Least Developed Countries in the SAARC. He also called upon companies from the region to invest in Afghanistan for mutual benefit and to create a virtuous cycle of healthy ecoomic competition in that country.

AIR Correspondent says that New Delhi visualizes Afghanistan's mineral resources, agricultural products and human resources as possible drivers of growth and regional economic development. This vision requires international support in the form of institutional fiance and foreign investment.