India welcomes Afghan ceasefire

New Delhi [India], June 17 (ANI): India welcomed the ceasefire announced by Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday, and said it is expected to help in curbing terrorism and related violence in the country.
As per an official press release by the External Affairs Ministry, spokesperson Raveesh Kumar responded to a question regarding the ceasefire, saying the recent decision is expected to bring relief to long suffering people of Afghanistan.
"We hope this gesture would be reciprocated by armed groups and their supporters with complete cessation of terrorist violence" the release read.
It further stated that India stands for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and " build a peaceful, secure, inclusive, prosperous, united and pluralistic Afghan nation."
Earlier in the day, Ghani announced to extend the government's week-long ceasefire with the Taliban which was otherwise due to end on Tuesday.
He also urged the Taliban to extend their three-day ceasefire which is due to end on Sunday.
It is the first time the Taliban has agreed to a ceasefire for Eid since the US invasion in 2001. (ANI)