AFGHAN-INDIA 2 LAST

Without wanting to get involved militarily in
Afghanistan, India would remain engaged in developmental field
there. India already has USD 1.3 billion worth of
reconstruction projects underway in Afghanistan.

This has earned India a massive goodwill in that country
as was reflected in a recent opinion poll conducted by a
Kabul-based NGO and commissioned by BBC, American Broadcasting
Corporation and German Broadcaster ARD.
In the poll, 71 per cent of Afghans said they favoured
India, which was way ahead of others. Germany polled 59 per
cent and stood at second spot. The US came third with 51 per
cent polls, Iran followed with 50 per cent votes and Britain
got 39 per cent.
Pakistan is wary of this goodwill and wants to deny
India any role in Afghan affairs. It recently opposed a move
to include India in a Regional Contact Group proposed by the
UK on Afghanistan.
On the sidelines of the London conference, Krishna will
have the opportunity to meet his counterparts from various
countries, including US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband.
During his three-day stay in London, Krishna will also
meet Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith with whom the
issue of unabated racist attacks on Indians in Australia would
top the agenda.
The External Affairs Minister is expected to press Smith
to ensure that the attacks on Indians come to a stop so that
the could feel a sense of safety, sources said. PTI AKK
DDC


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