Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj in her address focused on increased connectivity, regional trade and openness with Afghanistan, and also "extended India’s hand towards Pakistan" in this regard.
"It is time we [Pakistan and India] display the maturity and self confidence to do business with each other... the entire world is watching and we must not disappoint them."
"India will extend its cooperation at a pace Pakistan is comfortable with... but let us focus on Afghanistan for now."
Swaraj said connectivity also lies at the heart of India’s own efforts to develop regional economic cooperation. Nothing can benefit Afghanistan more immediately than full and direct access to India’s markets to enable it to take advantage of the zero-duty regime, she said.
"The heart of Asia cannot function if arteries are clogged."
She also conveyed India’s willingness to join the Afghanistan-Pakistan trade and transit agreement.
The Indian foreign minister singled out terrorism as the biggest deterrent to progress and peace in Afghanistan and said India was ready to help Afghanistan strengthen its defence.
She stressed that countries in "proximity of Afghanistan" have a responsibility to help Afghans fight terror and saluted the Afghan people and forces for battling the menace.
At the end, Swaraj referred to the historic Grand Trank (GT) road constructed by Sher Shah Suri 450 years ago, connecting Kolkata and Kabul. "That road exists till today, reminding us of our shared destiny."
