New Delhi - India on Tuesday congratulated Afghan President Hamid Karzai on his re-election and said it looked forward to partnering with the war-torn country in its reconstruction efforts. A statement issued by India's External Affairs Ministry also exhorted the world to stand steadfast in face of the challenge posed by al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
"The Taliban and al-Qaeda threaten the stability of Afghanistan and that of the world, the statement said. "The international community needs to reiterate its long-term commitment to ensuring security and development in Afghanistan and to stand steadfast against the challenge."
It said India was fully committed to helping build a pluralistic, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.
India has supported the Karzai government in its first term by pledging more than 1.2 billion dollars in reconstruction aid.
India's embassy in Kabul has been attacked twice in 15 months, but New Delhi has repeatedly said such terrorist acts would not deter India from its reconstruction activities in Afghanistan, which includes infrastructure construction.
