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����� will host a conference to discuss the relationship between India and Afghanistan. Panelists will address the historic and strategic ties between the two countries as well as India-U.S.-Afghanistan relations. Though the region has long been a focus of American diplomatic, development, and military efforts for nearly two decades, the shared historical, political, cultural, economic ties between India and Afghanistan are neither known nor appreciated.

India has played a significant developmental role as Afghanistan’s largest regional bilateral donor. Since the fall of the Taliban, India has strengthened Afghan trade ties and provided more than $3 billion in reconstruction assistance.

Afghanistan offers India an important potential partnership in regional competition with Pakistan (and increasingly China) as well as a gateway to the energy-rich Central Asian nations. Panelists will discuss impact that these ties have and the future of the relationship.

**NOTE: This event is open to the press. All members of the media should RSVP to [email protected].**