- publish: 11 November 2015
- time: 11:50 am
- category: Politics
- No: 2140
Afghanistan, India to enhance defence ties
India and Afghanistan held talks on anti-terror cooperation and on enhancing Kabul’s defence capabilities amid reports that India is to provide four MI-25 attack helicopters to the country.
The talks were held during Afghan National Security Advisor Hanif Atmar’s visit to New Delhi on November 8-9. Atmar, who was in India at the invitation of Ajit Doval, held talks with his Indian counterpart.
Atmar’s visit is reported to be linked to India providing four attack helicopters to Afghanistan to help it fight a growing Taliban insurgency.
Atmar also called on Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and attended a discussion at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, according to an Indian External Affairs Ministry statement.
India reiterated its strong commitment and support for a united, sovereign, democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
Atmar conveyed appreciation of his country’s leadership, its government and Afghans for reliable and predictable assistance from India, it said.
During the visit, the two sides discussed various aspects of regional security, particularly terrorism which threatens peace and stability of the region.
They also discussed ways and means to enhance cooperation between India and Afghanistan to strengthen the latter’s defence capabilities for safeguarding its security and combating all forms of terrorism, the statement added.