BackHamid Ansari likely to represent India at Ashraf Ghani’s inauguration
Ghani, a former finance minister, is set to take over from outgoing Afghan President Hamid Karzai early next week
Premium
Vice-president Hamid Ansari is likely to represent India at the inauguration of Ashraf Ghani as the new president of Afghanistan early next week, a person familiar with the development said on Tuesday.
Ghani, a former finance minister, is set to take over from outgoing President Hamid Karzai after the two sparring presidential candidates—Ghani and former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah—agreed on Sunday to share power. The deal came after months of turmoil over a disputed election that destabilized the nation at a crucial time as most US-led foreign troops prepare to leave the country after 13 years.
Ghani, an ethnic Pashtun, and Abdullah, whose main support comes from the country’s second largest ethnic group, the Tajiks, face the difficult task of forging unity in a country riven by ethnic and tribal rivalries. The former is seen as neutral in his leanings towards India and Pakistan while the latter is seen as more India-friendly.
The new administration also faces huge challenges in fighting a resurgent Taliban-led insurgency and raising revenues to fund the government as Afghanistan looks at transitioning from an aid-dependent economy to a self sustained one.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
