If talks with the Taliban fail and US troops quit, Afghanistan’s government may request India’s military support. As per the Afghanistan ambassador, at some point shortly Afghanistan govt may approach Indian Defense. He made it clear, however, that the support sought will not include sending troops, but rather training and technical assistance.
Representatives from the Taliban and the Afghan government have been meeting to decide the insurgents’ growing control of the country, which comes as the US prepares to finish its almost two-decade-long war in the country by the end of August.
According to AFP, peace talks are taking place in Doha have largely fizzled out, and the Taliban now look keen on achieving a complete military victory.
“Should we not reach a stage in the peace process with the Taliban, then perhaps a moment (would come) where we will seek India’s military support, additional military assistance in the years ahead,” Afghanistan’s Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay said.
“We have no intention of seeking India’s help in sending soldiers to Afghanistan. At this point, their presence in Afghanistan to fight our war isn’t necessary “He clarified his statement.
He described how, for example, the Air Force is an area where his country might benefit from help and that further opportunities may be explored in this regard. The ambassador mentioned pilot training, which India is “naturally” interested in participating in.
“India has also helped us with two key components,” Mr. Mamundzay added. “One was to provide us with military training (and) scholarships for our cadets.”
On the civilian front, he highlighted the 1,000 annual scholarships are offered by India, the 20,000 Afghan students are now studying in the country. The construction of a new Afghan parliament, and dam development, among other infrastructure initiatives.
The current situation in Afghanistan is “extremely terrible” and “quite problematic,” with government forces fighting the Taliban in about 150 of the 376 districts. India has evacuated diplomats and security personnel from its Kandahar consulate in the wake of intense fighting.
