Guided by Afghan comfort level in implementing pact: India

New Delhi, Oct 6, IRNA -- India Wednesday said it would be guided by decisions and comfort level of Afghan Government in implementing the landmark strategic partnership agreement signed by them on Tuesday.

"We always would be happy to be guided by your choice and decisions and your comfort level," External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna said after the R. K. Mishra Memorial lecture delivered by Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai here.

Krishna recalled Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks underlining similar development challenges faced by India and Afghanistan.

"India is ready to partner the Afghan people as they rebuild their country in accordance with their own priorities and national circumstances. Many of Afghanistan's priorities are also our priorities. Many of your problems are also our problems," he said quoting Singh from his speech to the Afghan Parliament in May.

Krishna said the same confidence and commitment has been "fully reflected" in the strategic partnership agreement signed by the two countries Tuesday.

"We are very clear in our minds that it is for the people and the government of Afghanistan to take decisions the future of your great nation without any outside prescription or interference," he said./end