WASHINGTON: Barack Obama made farewell calls to the rulers of India and Afghanistan on Wednesday evening, a day before his departure from the White House as the 44th president of the United States.

In his call to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Mr Obama urged them to continue the power-sharing arrangement negotiated by his administration.

With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he discussed the progress in making India a major defence partner of the United States, a process started by his administration.

“The president encouraged both leaders to continue their shared efforts to enhance national unity and support a lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan,” said a readout of Mr Obama’s call to the two Afghan leaders.

The readout, released by the White House, said that Mr Obama telephoned Mr Ghani and Mr Abdullah also joined the conversation.

“President Obama expressed his deep appreciation for the steadfast partnership between the United States and Afghanistan,” the White House said.

He commended the leaders for their commitment to the Afghan people and applauded the national unity government’s efforts to reduce corruption and support the rule of law.

To Mr Modi, he conveyed gratitude for his ‘partnership’ and reviewed with him joint efforts of cooperation “including defence, civil nuclear energy, and enhanced people-to-people ties,” the White House said.

“Both leaders discussed the progress they have made on shared economic and security priorities, including recognition of India as a major defence partner of the United States and addressing the global challenge of climate change,” the White House added.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2017