'I think there could be a political settlement. I think we should strive towards that.'

Krishna's remarks come as the Pentagon has told its top commanders in Afghanistan to delay submitting a request for as many as 40,000 more troops as the Obama administration reassesses its strategy to fight a revived Taliban insurgency.

'India is an optimistic nation. We believe a solution can be found. If India can work happily with Great Britain after they having ruled us for so long, it only shows that we can play the game. We can be partners in development,' the minister maintained.

'If there are internal differences within Afghanistan I think the people of Afghanistan, the leaders of Afghanistan, will sort it out by themselves,' Krishna said.

'Afghanistan as a nation has to grow. They have come through a process of holding elections. I think giving democracy a try, they have succeeded. I think we should support them,' he said downplaying suggestions of election fraud.

'You in the United States in Florida were counting, we cannot forget that. It happens in every election, it is questioned,' Krishna said.