Prime Minister Manmohan Singh "reiterated India's commitment as a neighbor and friend to continue assisting Afghanistan despite the challenges posed by the security situation" and continue its rehabilitation work but declined to deploy regular troops.

Praising Afghan President Hamid Karzai profusely, Singh said that a "strong India-Afghanistan relationship is not only beneficial to both counties but is vital for peace and stability in the entire region" and expressed great satisfaction that the first South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation with Afghanistan as a full member will be hosted by India.