After embassy attack, Karzai to visit India

Karzai has blamed Pakistan8217;s ISI for the July 7 attack on the mission that killed four Indians, including the Defence Attacheacute;, and over 60 Afghan citizens. The attack came after a specific intelligence warning on June 23 to the Indian mission in Kabul.

After the suicide bombing, Karzai said the attack was 8220;carried out by Pakistan8217;s intelligence and military departments8221;. The Indian NSA had also said that there were specific intelligence inputs that pointed to Pakistan8217;s direct involvement in the attack.

Karzai8217;s tour is likely to be followed by a high-profile visit by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Afghanistan next month to inaugurate the Zaranj-Delaram road link being constructed by the Border Roads Organisation. The road, which will give Afghanistan a direct access to the Iranian Chahbahar port and a trade link with India, will be completed by the first week of August.

While there were preliminary discussions on new projects that India can take up in the country during Menon8217;s meeting with Karzai last week, New Delhi is drawing up a list of possible areas of cooperation.

Assistance in areas like food production and the possible setting up of an agricultural university in Kabul, which would be the first of its kind in Afghanistan, is being considered.