Afghan, Indian Leaders Discuss Regional Security

Singh and Karzai signed three pacts regarding educational exchange and cooperation in rural development, after holding discussions in the Indian capital, New Delhi.
 
Karzai hailed the cooperation between the two countries at a joint news conference.
 
"We are cooperating in almost all walks of life -- from education to health, to rural development, to the reconstruction of the infrastructure, to economic affairs, and to cooperation in the region," Karzai said.
 
Karzai also said Afghanistan is the "worst victim" of terrorism, citing a spate of attacks in his country in recent months.
 
Singh also expressed concern at increased terrorist activity in the region. Singh underscored the need to combat terrorism in the region by pooling information and intelligence gathering.
 
Karzai arrived in New Delhi on April 9 for a five-day visit.
 
The India visit is seen by some as likely to contribute to growing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. The Afghan president has leveled harsh criticism at neighboring Pakistan in recent months, including verbal sparring through the media with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
 
(compiled from agency reports)