Thaindian News

New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) At a time when Pakistan is constantly attempting to increase its presence in its western neighbour, India Wednesday committed itself to the capacity-building of Afghanistan’s armed forces by promising to continue training the country’s security personnel.

Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony conveyed the nation’s resolve to his Afghan counterpart Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak soon after the latter landed here on a three-day visit ending Friday.

During the hour-long delegation level talks, Antony said that as a longstanding friend of the Afghan people, India remains fully committed to supporting Afghanistan in its reconstruction and development efforts, a defence ministry release said.

“India is committed to building the capabilities of the Afghan security forces in accordance with the priorities of the Afghan government,” Antony told Wardak at the meeting.

Both sides noted that terrorism continued to pose a threat to all countries in the region and reiterated the need to ensure cessation of support to such terror organisations in the interest of peace and development.

Antony said that India attaches high importance to bilateral relations with Afghanistan, as is evidenced in the multifaceted relationship between the two governments.

India has committed over $.15 billion in development aid to Afghanistan in the recent years. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during his visit to Kabul a fortnight ago, plegdged an additional $500 million package for the embattled nation.

Wardak, who is accompanied by a seven-member delegation, conveyed Afghanistan’s appreciation for India’s “the friendship and support”.

The Afghan defence minister earlier laid wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial to the Unknown Soldier. He was presented a tri-services guard of honour on his arrival at the South Block defence ministry headquarters.

There have been periodic exchanges between the armed forces of the two countries since Wardak last visited India in April 2008. The Afghan Chief of General Staff, Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi, visited India last October.

India is training Afghan security forces’ officers and men at defence academies in this country in an effort to build their war-fighting and battle strategising capacities.

That apart, India has worked on several development projects in Afghanistan, such the 218-km Zaranj-Delaram road by sending its Border Roads Organisation personnel and paramilitary forces to provide security to the workers.

It has also posted army officers there to teach basic English language skills to Afghan army officers, apart from military doctors to work in hospitals such in Kandhahar.

India, however, has been steadfastly refusing to send to troops to Afghanistan inspite of its personnel and facilities under threat from Pakistan-based terror groups.