India, Tajikistan exploring possibility of rail corridor via Afghanistan: Manmohan Singh

India and Tajikistan are exploring the possibility of establishing rail links through Afghanistan as the two countries have agreed to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said today.

''India and Tajikistan are exploring the possibility of establishing transport corridors, including rail lines, in cooperation with other countries of the region,'' Manmohan Singh said.

The two countries have already established air links between the capitals - New Delhi and Dushanbe – through services by Tajik Air, he said, adding, ''However, surface connectivity challenges hinder the faster growth of our bilateral ties.''

The PM was making a statement to the media after delegation-level talks during the fifth state visit of president of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to this country.

He said India and Tajikistan also share common concerns regarding regional developments and the menace of terrorism that poses a deep threat to smooth flow of trade.

''President Rahmon and I exchanged views on the situation in the Central Asian region and beyond, particularly in the context of the security transition in Afghanistan. We also agreed to deepen our counter-terrorism cooperation,'' the prime minister said.