KRISHNA-ISI 2 LAST

"India doesn't believe that war can solve any problem and
that applies to Afghanistan also," Krishna said. "I think
there could be a political settlement. I think we should
strive towards that."

"India is an optimistic nation. We believe a solution can
be found," he said and expressed confidence that people and
leaders of Afghanistan will sort out any internal differences
themselves.

India's role in Afghanistan is to help them to stabilise
on their infrastructure development. "That's our immediate
concern. That is the reason why we were asked to come to
Afghanistan. We are building roads, we are building school
buildings and we are building transmission lines," the
minister said.
"Afghanistan as a nation has to grow. They have come
through a process of holding elections. I think giving
democracy a try, they have succeeded. I think we should
support them," Krishna said.

In all, the Indian reconstruction aid totals USD 1.2
billion and Krishna said the investment was worth the risk
despite the continued conflict.

He downplayed the findings of electoral fraud in the
Afghan Presidential elections, saying "it happens in every
election, (that results are) questioned."

Krishna also dismissed suggestions that India's growing
involvement in Afghanistan was intended to encircle Pakistan.
"I think that is a baseless allegation," he said. PTI