India is ready to welcome Afghan trucks at the Integrated Check Post at Attari and is also prepared to join the successor agreement to the Afghan Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media after talks with Ashraf Ghani, the visiting Afghan President, Modi said this will help re-establish one of the oldest trading routes of South Asia. ``I also reaffirmed my commitment to take the Chahbahar Port project in Iran forward. We will also quickly conclude a bilateral Motor Vehicles Agreement,” the Indian Prime Minister said. The Indian Prime Minister added that India believed that Afghanistan's direct surface link to India and the rest of South Asia, and increased connectivity to sea, could turn Afghanistan into a hub that connects Asia's diverse regions and beyond.

Modi said India will also expand its development partnership, which includes infrastructure, agriculture, connectivity, human resource development, community projects and humanitarian assistance. ``We will explore new trade and investment opportunities,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister also announced the delivery of three Cheetah helicopters to Afghanistan. This is being viewed as a sign of India being prepared to continue our support to the capacity-building of Afghan security forces

Modi pointed out that the relationship between India and Afghanistan is not just between two countries or governments but a timeless link of human hearts.

``Fourteen years ago, we started a new chapter in our relationship, in a new era for Afghanistan, under the leadership of President Karzai. The partnership has blossomed despite barriers of geography and hurdles of politics. We will continue this journey in partnership with President Ghani and his National Unity Government with Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah,” the Prime Minister said.

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