India and Afghanistan have signed a strategic partnership agreement deepening their economic and security ties, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Tuesday.
Singh reached the deal with Afghan leader Hamid Karzai during talks in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The deal is the first such pact signed by Afghanistan as it eyes alliances to help guarantee its security as international troops begin withdrawing from the war-torn country after more than a decade of fighting.
“My discussions with President Karzai have once again underscored the importance of a strong and broad-based partnership between India and Afghanistan,” Singh said.
Singh explained that the strategic partnership agreement would cover security cooperation, trade and economic ties, as well as social and cultural exchanges.
The two leaders also signed two separate deals increasing links in mining and energy.
It is believed that India is funding Afghan extremist groups, that are involved in across the border terrorism in Pakistan, and India may have a similar intention behind making this deal.