Security for Indians in Afghanistan discussed

The work being done by India in capacity building in Afghanistan and security of Indian workers were reviewed as an Afghan Minister met Home Minister in Delhi.

The work being done by India in capacity building in Afghanistan and security of Indian workers in that country were on Thursday reviewed as an Afghan Minister met Home Minister Shivraj Patil in New Delhi.

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Afghanistan's Minister for Local Governance Jelani Popal and Patil are understood to have discussed various issues related to 3,000 Indians engaged in reconstruction and development projects there and their security in view of continued attacks and threats from the Taliban.

BRO workers and ITBP personnel have been attacked a number of times in Afghanistan.

In a recent terror strike at the Indian Embassy in Kabul, four Indians -- a Brigadier rank officer, an IFS officer and two ITBP personnel -- were among over 50 persons who lost their lives.

It was the first major attack on an Indian mission abroad and the deadliest suicide bombing in Kabul since US-led NATO forces ousted the Taliban in late 2001.

The two leaders exchanged views about the strucutre, powers and functions of local bodies in the two countries, an official release said.

"Both sides expressed desire to further strengthen the bilateral relations between India and Afghanistan," it said.

Secretary (Border Management) in the Home Ministry Jarnail Singh was also present during the meeting.

Popal, who is also Director General of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance, is heading a seven-member Afghan delegation.