KABUL - The Senate on Sunday approved a strategic partnership agreement between Afghanistan and India, saying the accord was in the best interests of both nations.
President Hamid Karzai and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signed the agreement, which outlines Indian help in Afghanistan's reconstruction, counterterrorism efforts, bilateral trade and training of security forces, in October 2011 in New Delhi.

Under Article 90 of the constitution, ratification of international treaties and agreements or Afghanistan's pullout from them is one of the duties of of parliament. The pact was ratified on April 18 by the Wolesi Jirga and sent to the Senate for approval.

It was the first ever strategic deal signed by the Afghan government, said Najiba Husaini, a member of the international affairs commission of the upper house, while presenting the contents to the senators.

Deputy Chairman Mohammad Alam Ezadyar, who chaired the session, said the since agreement did not contravene the country's laws, so the 12 commissions of the house approved it for the sake of lasting peace and stability.
The agreement will be sent to the president for endorsement.