Obama, Singh discuss situation in Afghanistan

Lalit K Jha
New Delhi/Washington, Dec 1 (PTI) US President Barack
Obama Tuesday discussed with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh the situation in Afghanistan and further steps to bring
peace and stability in the country, ahead of unveiling his new
Af-Pak policy under which he is expected to announce a surge
of up to 35,000 troops and outline an exit strategy.
Obama telephoned Singh close on the heels of the two
leaders' meeting in Washington during which the Afghan issue
was discussed prominently.
The two leaders, during their "brief conversation",
discussed ways to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan,
apart from the December 7-18 climate change summit in
Copenhagen, the Prime Minister's Office said in New Delhi.
The US President, in his new Af-Pak policy incorporating
an exit strategy which is to be unveiled Wednesday, is
expected to announce deployment of up to 35,000 more troops to
fight a resurgent Taliban, al-Qaeda and to secure Afghan
cities, along with additional civilian aid.
During his meeting with Obama in Washington, Singh had
said it was important for all major regional and international
players to put their weight behind the Afghan government.
Obama had highlighted the importance of tackling violence
and extremism emanating from the region "in a serious way".
India feels that due to the continued threat posed by
terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, the world community
should stay engaged there and not think about "premature
exit" as it could embolden terrorists. PTI LKJ/VMN
MYR