Welcoming the new Af-Pak strategy announced by the US, India on Thursday asked the international community to press Pakistan to use "all its influence and resources" to dismantle terror infrastructure and deny sanctuaries to all terrorist groups, saying it is in the interest of the world.
The External Affairs Ministry underlined the need for the international community to show "unwavering commitment to resolutely opposing, resisting and overcoming terrorism and those who nurture, sustain and give sanctuary to terrorists and extremist elements."
In a statement in New Delhi, MEA spokesman Vishnu Prakash said India welcomes President Barack Obama's "reiteration of the need to squarely tackle terrorism, and for Pakistan to ensure that terrorists do not enjoy safe havens on its territory."
India, he said, "believes that it is in the interest of the international community to impress upon Pakistan that it must use all its influence and resources to implement its commitments to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism and to deny sanctuary to all terrorist groups who operate from its soil."
Referring to Obama's announcement of new Af-Pak strategy on Wednesday, he said, "We welcome the emphasis in the US strategy on the strengthening of the Government of Afghanistan and Afghan security forces."
The MEA spokesman also emphasised that it was imperative that the international community showed "sustained and long-term commitment" to assisting the government and people of Afghanistan.
India, for its part, has attempted to help Afghanistan in its reconstruction efforts as a means to bringing about stability in that country, Prakash noted.
India's assistance, now over $1.3 billion, is spread across Afghanistan and spans almost the entire gamut of economic and social developmental activities.
"Despite daunting logistical and security challenges", two major government of India-funded infrastructure projects have been completed, he said.
These are construction of the 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram in Nimroz province and the construction of the 220 KV Transmission Line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul together with the sub-station at Chimtala.
Construction of Afghanistan's new Parliament building, a symbol of the common commitment of both countries to pluralism and democracy, is also progressing, Prakash said.
"India reiterates its determination to fulfil its commitment to the Afghan people and Government as they build a peaceful, democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan," he added.
