India today called for evolving regional framework for stabilizing Afghanistan.

Addressing the Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan in Egypt today, the External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said that New Delhi supports the aims and objectives of this Conference, to bring regional countries together on an inclusive platform to address the common challenges facing the region, and working towards cooperative confidence building measures and solutions.

According to an official press release, Mr. Krishna said, as NATO forces are preparing to leave the war torn country by the end of 2014, it is evident that Afghanistan's neighbours and friends can work with the wider international community and provide a helping hand to Afghanistan.

Mr. Krishna said this will assist in its transition and beyond.

He said, Afghanistan needs assistance to build its capacity to tackle the critical challenges of terrorism including suicides, the religious extremism and the drug trafficking that sustains the terror network.

Outlining India's perspective on security and cooperation, Mr. Krishna said India believed in a strong, independent, sovereign, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. A country that is at peace with itself and its neighbours.

Opposing external interference in Afghanistan and the need to tackle safe havens and sanctuaries for terror, Krishna stressed that security, good governance and development are critical for the future of Afghanistan.

In this context, he highlighted India's multifarious contribution to the rebuilding of Afghanistan for which it has pledged up to two billion US Dollars in development and humanitarian assistance.

He also told the conference that India signed a comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with Afghanistan.

The Minister said that the pact entails, among other things, a formal commitment by New Delhi to train the Afghan National Security Forces.

He elaborated that cooperation with Afghanistan will be founded on trade and transit routes, railways and highways, energy pipelines and electricity networks, economic projects and cross-investments.

AIR correspondent reports that the conference is important for India as New Delhi was not part of the deliberations of the conference last year.

The day-long conference brought together all of Afghanistan's extended neighbours in the region to fashion a collective approach for a successful transition of the violence-hit country in the wake of planned withdrawal of all coalition troops by 2014.

Among the countries participating in the conference, hosted by Turkey, are Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iran, China, US, UAE, Russia and Saudi Arabia.