In a joint statement after talks, that appeared to allude to neighboring Pakistan, India's Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna and his Afghan counterpart Zalmai Rassoul vowed to ensure that terrorist groups are denied safe havens and sanctuaries in the region.

Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of harboring Taleban militants, and India also says Pakistan-based militants launch attacks inside India. New Delhi is also concerned that the Taleban could take power once international forces leave Afghanistan, boosting Pakistan's influence in the country.

President Barack Obama announced last year that US troops will begin leaving Afghanistan in July 2011 — although it remains likely NATO and US forces will remain for some years to come.

Over the past decade, India has expanded ties with Kabul — to Pakistan's chagrin. It has spent more than $1.3 billion to help rebuild Afghanistan's war-ravaged infrastructure by building roads, schools, hospitals and dams. India is also involved in training the country's police forces and its diplomatic corps.

On Wednesday, New Delhi assured the Afghan minister of India's commitment to the reconstruction effort.

Rassoul has also held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other top officials during his three-day visit to India, which began Tuesday. He leaves for Kabul on Thursday.