The government of India is not too enthusiastic about responding to the wish list of weapons handed over to its representatives by Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
The list, largely consisting of weapons and military equipment may have been much more than what the Indian government bargained for, since it had committed to provide training, equipment and capacity building for Afghan armed forces as part of the strategic partnership pact signed in 2011.
Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul said, “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, Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said there was a discussion on political and security issues, without going into specifics. However, he said that 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 primarily, particularly if India wants cordial relations with Nawaz Sharif’s government and is not sure how this would play out in Islamabad.
