US backs Indian effort to train Afghan forces

Lalit K Jha
Washington, Jul 2 (PTI) US has said it is "very
supportive" of the Indian effort to train Afghan security
forces, amid reports that President Hamid Karzai has agreed to
send a group of military officers to Pakistan for training.
"We are very supportive of the Afghan army and police
taking advantage of international offers to provide
professional military education and training to their security
forces. Obviously it is an Afghan decision, in terms of which
are those opportunities Kabul wants to take advantage of," US
Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, Michele Flournoy, said.
There already are a number of Afghans training in India
and benefiting greatly given the professionalism of the Indian
military and what they can provide, she said.
"So, we are very supportive of that effort," Flournoy
said Thursday in response to a question after her address on
'Investing in the Future of US-India Defence Relations' before
the Washington Chapter of the Asia Society.
Flournoy's remarks came a day after 'The Washington
Post' reported that Karzai had agreed to send a group of
Afghan military officers to Pakistan for training.
"The move is a victory for Pakistan, which seeks a
major role in Afghanistan as officials in both countries
become increasingly convinced that the US war effort there is
faltering," the daily said.
In her speech, Flournoy said India was playing a critical
and positive role in Afghanistan's economic and social
development, and that help will continue.
"We highly value India's role and, frankly, the
sacrifices that India has made in support of this mission, in
building economic and social opportunities in Afghanistan. We
see India's continued involvement in Afghanistan's development
as a key part of that country's future success," she said.
The Pentagon official, a key confidante of US President
Barack Obama, acknowledged of rivalry and distrust between
India and Pakistan on the issue of Afghanistan.
"Certainly, given the historic tensions between India
and Pakistan, both countries tend to view Afghanistan through
that prism," she said in response to a question. (More) PTI
LKJ
MRD


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