- Joined
- May 26, 2010
- Messages
- 31,122
- Likes
- 41,042
Delhi open to Kabul arms request
Read More here : Delhi open to Kabul arms request | The Asian AgeIn an attempt to enhance defence ties with Afghanistan in the light of the impending American drawdown in 2014, New Delhi on Saturday asserted it was prepared to consider Kabul's request for the supply of arms.
Answering a question about Afghan ambassador to India Shaida M. Abdali's request for enhanced defence ties, including supply of lethal and non-lethal military equipment, MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said mechanisms are available under the Strategic Partnership Agreement inked in 2011. "Our view is that there is a mechanism available, and all issues are discussed under this mechanism. And within our own modest means as a developing country, we will continue to discuss and respond to specific requests of the Afghan government," he said, adding, "There are diplomatic channels available and we will consider these (requests) as and when they are raised in the channels which are available."
Even as he emphasised that India has been focusing on re-building the war-torn country by ushering in economic development, Mr Akbaruddin conceded, "We realise that we cannot ignore political and security issues that stand in the way of realising that."
India also has been helping Afghanistan by way of providing training in capacity building to 2,000 Afghans every year. Economic assistance to Kabul currently stands at $2 billion.