Tuesday, August 30 2005 10:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kabul: Virtually acknowledging that Pakistan's denial of transit facility was hampering strengthening of relations with Afghanistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday (August 29, 3005) said Islamabad has to be induced to 'fall in line.'

Addressing a press conference here before winding up his two-day visit to Kabul, Singh said India's cordial relations with Afghanistan would increase significantly if Pakistan cooperated.

Afghanistan has been wanting transit facilities with India, he said. "The main issue is to persuade Pakistan. We have to induce Pakistan to fall in line," Singh said.

Responding to a question whether Indo-Afghan ties were being held hostage by the issue of transit facilities through Pakistan, the Prime Minister said, "I will not use such strong words. But it is true that effectiveness of cooperation between India and Afghanistan in many areas will improve if Pakistan is also on board."

He said Afghanistan Government was keen to have larger Indian business community in its country and was ready to remove any impediment that may exist in this area.

Talking about cooperation in Afghanistan's reconstruction, he said India wished to focus on small developmental projects which have a direct impact on the common man, especially in rural communities.

The Prime Minister said the signing of agreement in the areas of small development projects, health care, agricultural research and education and tourism reflected growing diversification of bilateral ties and the potential of a mutually beneficial multifaceted cooperation.