Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai was given ceremonial reception today at Rastrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. On this occasion he said friendship of India and Afghanistan will have new depth and new scope. Mr Karzai also visited Rajghat and offered floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr Karzai, who arrived in New Delhi yesterday on the second leg of his four day state visit to India, will hold talks with Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh today.

Various issues including regional situation, safety of Indian nationals and Indian projects in Afghanistan are likely to figure in their discussion.

A range of key issues of mutual interest including the India-Afghanistan strategic dialogue on bilateral and regional issues are also expected to come up for discussion in the meeting.

AIR correspondent reports that four pacts are likely to be signed between the two countries, including one in the mining field. Other agreements include in the field of youth affairs, small development projects and fertilizers.

India last week cleared a 100-million Dollar aid for the third phase of Small Development Projects in the war -torn country.

The projects implemented through local Afghan agencies and community organisations over a period of four years will directly benefit local communities across Afghanistan.

Mr. Karzai, began his four day state visit from Mumbai on Friday where Afghan President held discussions with Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and also interacted with the business community.