Peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan came up for discussion in the meeting between visiting Afghanistan President and Indian leadership today. India assured its full support to Afghanistan and its people in the critical period of transition, development and nation-building.

The Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai who is on a three day visit today called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrpati Bhawan in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed the security situation and other issues of mutual interest.

Mr. Mukherjee said India is proud of its partnership with Afghanistan in reconstruction and development process. He stressed on strengthening and deepening bilateral relations in all areas of Strategic Partnership Agreement. The Indian President conveyed to his Afghan counterpart New Delhi's willingness to increase bilateral contribution to institution-building, training and equipment to the possible extent.

On this occasion, Mr. Karzai said India is amongst the closest of countries to Afghanistan and their relations stand on solid cemented grounds.

Later, the Afghan President had a meeting with the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at his residence. The two leaders discussed the security and infrastructure development in the war-torn country. Mr Karzai, who reached Chandigarh yesterday, was conferred honorary degree of doctorate by President Pranab Mukherjee at a convocation of the Lovely Professional University at Phagwara in Punjab.