India to extend aid for Afghan defence forces

New Delhi: After talks between visiting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, India, which has been training thousands of Afgh-an defence and security forces personnel have agreed to “extend further assistance (to Afghanistan) depending upon the needs of the Afghan defence and police forces”.

The two leaders also agreed that “renunciation of violence and terror; and closure of cross border safe havens and sanctuaries were essential for any meaningful progress and lasting peace (in Afghanstan)”, a clear but veiled reference once again to Pakistan’s role in fomenting violence in the strife-torn country.

The two leaders also “discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues, and expressed firm resolve to end the menace of terrorism”, while deciding to “further deepen the bilateral strategic dialogue”. President Mr Ghani’s visit follows a string of terror attacks by the Pakistan-based Taliban on Afghan security forces in the past two weeks, leading to massive casualties. “This was President Ghani’s “fourth visit to India in the last 3 years and 12th personal interaction between the two leaders”.

“Deep appreciation was expressed for the bravery with which the Afghan forces were fighting terrorism imposed on Afghanistan”, the Ministry of External Affairs said, once again a veiled reference to Pakistan-backed terrorism. Detailed discussions were held at the Hyderabad House between PM Modi and President Ghani in one on one format, restricted meeting and a working lunch, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Development assistance by India and connectivity issues were also discussed at the meeting. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also met Mr Ghani. The Afghan President also met his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind.

Afghanistan has been asking for military equipment from India. New Delhi has been cautious on this but had earlier given four military helicopters to Kabul. India had recently made it clear to the United States that Indian troops would not be deployed in Afghanistan at any cost.

“The support extended by India in the defence and security fields, including training of thousands of Afghan defence and security personnel was positively assessed. The Indian side agreed to extend further assistance depending upon the needs of the Afghan defence and police forces,” the Ministry of External Affairs said, in a statement after talks between the two leaders.