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NEW DELHI: In the backdrop of a Nato withdrawal and fears of a Taliban resurgence, Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday said he had given the Indian government a 'wish list' for military equipment. The list, said sources, comes after considerable discussions with Afghanistan on what exactly they would want. New Delhi has committed to provide training, equipment and capacity building for Afghan armed forces as part of the strategic partnership pact signed in 2011.
However, India appears more hesitant this time, largely because of the Pakistan factor. Afghan foreign minister Zalmai Rassoul observed, "A decade ago the BJP government wanted to help us militarily but we refused, due to Pakistan's sensitivities. This time, we are keen, but India is hesitant."
In response, MEA spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said, "There was a discussion on political and security issues, without going into specifics. But he said at the end of Karzai's visit, the nation stood ready to help in all the areas that Afghanistan asked for.
"India is ready to stand by Afghanistan as a close, friendly and historic neighbour through these transitions and will play a due and responsible role in this regard," he added.
Karzai took a more diplomatic approach. "We understand when India can help and when it cannot," he said. Addressing a press conference before returning to Kabul, Karzai said in relation to India's economic capacity, it had been the largest donor in Afghanistan. While he did not specify what exactly he had asked for, officials said Afghanistan had asked for artillery and attack helicopters.
India's hesitation this time seems to stem from certain factors: Pakistan is certainly on UPA's mind, particularly if they want to be cordial with the Nawaz Sharif government and are not sure how this would play out in Islamabad. Second, India's own defence hardware is of rather low order. In fact, New Delhi is the world's largest importer of military hardware itself.
The future of the Taliban-Afghan peace process may also have an effect. Karzai sought to dispel any notion that he might continue as president after 2014. "There are two reasons. First, I am exhausted, and I want to retire. Second, why would I ruin my legacy and take an opportunity away from Afghanistan to become an institutionalized democracy? It's not good for me or Afghanistan," he explained.
Wary of Pakistan, India hesitant over Karzai wish list for military hardware - The Times of India
How funny.... When india was ready to help them they were not ready..... Now when they want india is not ready..... Any way I support this stand...
However, India appears more hesitant this time, largely because of the Pakistan factor. Afghan foreign minister Zalmai Rassoul observed, "A decade ago the BJP government wanted to help us militarily but we refused, due to Pakistan's sensitivities. This time, we are keen, but India is hesitant."
In response, MEA spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said, "There was a discussion on political and security issues, without going into specifics. But he said at the end of Karzai's visit, the nation stood ready to help in all the areas that Afghanistan asked for.
"India is ready to stand by Afghanistan as a close, friendly and historic neighbour through these transitions and will play a due and responsible role in this regard," he added.
Karzai took a more diplomatic approach. "We understand when India can help and when it cannot," he said. Addressing a press conference before returning to Kabul, Karzai said in relation to India's economic capacity, it had been the largest donor in Afghanistan. While he did not specify what exactly he had asked for, officials said Afghanistan had asked for artillery and attack helicopters.
India's hesitation this time seems to stem from certain factors: Pakistan is certainly on UPA's mind, particularly if they want to be cordial with the Nawaz Sharif government and are not sure how this would play out in Islamabad. Second, India's own defence hardware is of rather low order. In fact, New Delhi is the world's largest importer of military hardware itself.
The future of the Taliban-Afghan peace process may also have an effect. Karzai sought to dispel any notion that he might continue as president after 2014. "There are two reasons. First, I am exhausted, and I want to retire. Second, why would I ruin my legacy and take an opportunity away from Afghanistan to become an institutionalized democracy? It's not good for me or Afghanistan," he explained.
Wary of Pakistan, India hesitant over Karzai wish list for military hardware - The Times of India
How funny.... When india was ready to help them they were not ready..... Now when they want india is not ready..... Any way I support this stand...
