Afghan president expected to seek military aid during visit to India

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, left, is greeted by his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee after he received an honorary degree at the Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, India, Monday, May 20, 2013. Karzai will seek increased military aid from India during a three-day visit starting Monday and will discuss recent cross-border clashes with Pakistan, India's archrival, an aide said. (AP Photo/ Ashwini Bhatia) (The Associated Press)

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, right, listens to Afghan President Hamid Karzai during a meeting at the Indian Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Karzai is meeting with Indian leaders and is expected to seek increased military aid from India. India has invested more than $2 billion in Afghan infrastructure, including highways and hospitals and rural electricity projects. India is helping the Afghan government rebuild its police forces, judiciary and diplomatic services. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) (The Associated Press)

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, left, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai pose for photographers at the Indian Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Karzai is meeting with Indian leaders and is expected to seek increased military aid from India. India has invested more than $2 billion in Afghan infrastructure, including highways and hospitals and rural electricity projects. India is helping the Afghan government rebuild its police forces, judiciary and diplomatic services. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) (The Associated Press)

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is expected to ask for more military aid during meetings with Indian leaders.

Karzai met with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday and planned talks later with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Mukherjee's office said he told Karzai that India was prepared to provide more military training and equipment.

Karzai spokesman Aimal Faizi said earlier that Afghanistan would ask for Indian help in the strengthening of its security forces ahead of the withdrawal next year of most international troops.

Afghanistan and India signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2011 that includes Indian military training of Afghan forces.

India has invested more than $2 billion in Afghan infrastructure, including highways, hospitals and electricity projects. It also is helping rebuild the Afghan police, judiciary and diplomatic services.