The two countries also decided to establish an India-Afghanistan Partnership Council, in a step that underlined India's resolve to continue with the reconstruction of Afghanistan with greater vigour despite the attack on its embassy in Kabul July 7 last year -- blamed on Pakistan-backed Taliban militants.

The council will be composed of separate groups on political consultation, capacity development and education, power and water, culture, trade and industry, health, and agriculture.

'This will harness greater institutional support for the implementation of ongoing programmes and enlarge development cooperation between the two countries,' the joint statement said.

India has pledged over $1.2 billion in developmental assistance to Afghanistan that covers a range of economic and social developmental activities. Over 4,000 Indians are engaged in different reconstruction projects in Afghanistan.