The Afghanistan-Pakistan (Af-Pak) story took another turn with the visit of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to Delhi early last week. In Afghanistan's first strategic pact with any country, Kabul and New Delhi signed a landmark strategic partnership agreement during Karzai's visit.
As part of the new pact, bilateral dialogue at the level of national security adviser has been institutionalized to focus on enhancing cooperation in security issues. New Delhi is hoping that Kabul will take the lead in defining the exact terms of this engagement.
Along with this strategic pact, two other agreements on India-Afghan cooperation in developing hydrocarbons and mineral resources were signed further underlining India's role in evolution of Afghanistan as a viable economic unit. The two nations agreed to enhance political cooperation and institutionalize regular bilateral political and foreign office consultations.