India shares a millennial old cultural, social and academic relation with Afghanistan, said Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh on Thursday.While speaking at the 10th anniversary of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship to Afghan Youth here, Singh said: "Rebuilding of relations with other countries is largely dependent on the rise and exchange of education. I appreciate the rise of Afghan female students in India and expect that they help in improving the status of women in Afghanistan."The 'Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals (SSSAN)' educational programme between India and Afghanistan was started in the year 2005. The scheme is currently under renewal for next five years to be implemented from 2017-18 to 2021-22, with a special focus on encouraging female Afghan students."Our relations in terms of students, teachers and cultural exchanges have increased over the years and expect that it grows. We have received support from India and are looking towards enhanced cooperation between the two countries," said Afghanistan Ambassdor to India Shaida Mohammad Abdali at the event.