India focuses on Afghan reconstruction

NEW DELHI, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- New Delhi said it would avoid a high-profile role in security operations in Afghanistan, focusing its energy instead on state reconstruction.

The international community is making preparations for a summit on Afghanistan in London at the end of January.

Satinder Lambah, a special envoy to the Indian prime minister, said New Delhi would focus on rebuilding the Afghan infrastructure, including roads and the healthcare system, Indian newspaper The Hindu reports.

"India's support towards building Afghanistan's civilian infrastructure has now become visible," he said.

Lambah made his comments during a meeting in New Delhi with Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special envoy to the region.

"This was essentially a preparatory meeting for the London conference scheduled for Jan. 28," added Lambah.

Regional supporters of the U.S.-led military effort in Afghanistan have expressed concern the influx of foreign military forces into the country could push militants across the border. New Delhi said it is avoiding military issues because of "regional sensitivities."

Source: United Press International (UPI).
Link: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/01/14/India-focuses-on-Afghan-reconstruction/UPI-79061263493200/.