With US-led Nato forces set to withdraw from Afghanistan next year, India is stepping in to provide military equipment to the Hamid Karzai-led government. President Karzai’s “wish list” for defence equipment is expected to be discussed with the Indian leadership during the on-going visit of Afghan second vice-president, Mohammad Karim Khalili.
A team comprising military and civilian officials had earlier visited Afghanistan in June to assess Afghanistan’s needs. It is said to have come back with a better understanding of the requirements of Afghan security forces and how they can be equipped.
The Afghan leader is on his first visit to India on the invitation of vice-president Hamid Karzai. He met external affairs minister Salman Khurshid on Tuesday and will be meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, NSA Shivshankar Menon and vice-president Hamid Ansari Wednesday.
India’s willingness to assist Afghanistan comes following Afghanistan’s request for the supply of both lethal and non-lethal equipment for its security forces. The demand was initially voiced by Afghan ambassador in India Shaida M. Abdali in the run-up to the visit of Mt Karzai to the country in May. Matters appear to have proceeded quite swiftly from there with the team of Indian defence officials visiting Kabul for discussions the very next month. As far as Afghan security forces are concerned, India thus far has largely confined itself to the capacity-building of Afghan National Security Forces.
Of late, this effort has been stepped up in view of the drawdown of Nato forces from Afghanistan next year.
As a close neighbour New Delhi has strategic concerns and is worried that after the drawdown may see a surge in the activities of the Taliban and the Haqqani Network which will impact India’s interests.