Karazi, Sushma agree to boost defence ties

As Afghanistan prepares for a democratic transition of power, Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and Afghan President Hamid Karazi yesterday held wide-ranging talks on political and security situation in the war-torn country and agreed to intensify cooperation in areas like security and defence.
As Nato forces prepare to withdraw from the country, Afghanistan wants India to help it in meeting security challenges. Afghanistan has been pressing India for supply of military hardware and weapons system to it.
Afghanistan has been pressing India for supplying military hardware to strengthen its security set up in view of drawdown of Nato forces. Karzai has already given a "wish-list" to India.

US air strike kills 11 civilians
Meanwhile, a US air strike in eastern Afghanistan killed 11 civilians, local officials said yesterday, sparking strong condemnation from President Hamid Karzai.
Nato's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) made no immediate comment on Tuesday's air strike.