Key Afghan conference to be held under tight security in Kabul

Amid tight security, the world leaders will brainstorm here on the future of Afghanistan, which stands at a "critical turning point" in its efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and stability.

The International Conference on Afghanistan is the largest gathering of foreign leaders in the war-torn nation since 1970s and will take place amid a spurt in suicide bombings and attacks by Taliban on US-led NATO forces, which has suffered the deadliest single month in June when its 79 soldiers lost their lives.

Krishna, who is heading the Indian delegation, will attend the conference and is expected to express India's commitment to providing all necessary help Afghanistan wants for its nation-building, official sources told PTI.

Krishna, who met Karzai here immediately after his arrival, backed the Afghan president's efforts to ensure peace, security and development in the region.

He is also expected to convey India's support to Karzai government's efforts for reintegration of Taliban elements if that leads to "genuine peace", the sources said.

India does not see anything wrong if individual Taliban cadres are rehabilitated after they give up violence, abide by the Afghan Constitution and commit to respect human rights, including women's rights.

However, any reconciliation with Taliban as a group or entity is seen by India as alarming.

The Kabul conference is taking place at a time when the Karzai government is working on a Peace and Reconciliation scheme aimed at bringing Taliban elements into the mainstream.

The conference is a follow-up to a London summit in January, when donors pledged some USD 160 million for Afghanistan's plans to reintegrate and create jobs for Taliban fighters who renounce violence.

Hosted by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the meeting is expected to deliberate and endorse an Afghan government-led plan to improve security, ensure good governance and crack down on corruption that has plagued the country.

The Kabul conference is taking place at a time when the Karzai government is working on a Peace and Reconciliation scheme aimed at bringing Taliban elements into the mainstream.

Facing nine years of Taliban insurgency, Karzai is pressing to reconcile with all the insurgent groups, including the dreaded Haqqani network and Taliban no. 2 Mullah Baradar, as a way to end the war and consolidate his own grip on power.