Washington, Oct 29: Praising India's “constructive” role in the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, the Pentagon in a report told the US Congress that New Delhi has now expressed an interest to help strengthen the capabilities of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).
“In addition to reconstruction projects, India has expressed an interest to help strengthen the capabilities of the ANSF,” Pentagon said in its six-monthly progress report on Afghanistan.
“During his June 2011 visit to New Delhi, Afghan Defence Minister Wardak and Indian Defence Minister A K Antony discussed expanding cooperation to train ANSF personnel.
“To date, India's security assistance has been limited; India currently provides scholarships for Afghan National Security Force personnel to study in India, and the Indian Government is also exploring options to train female Afghan police in India,” the report said.
The Pentagon said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs' visit to Kabul in May 2011, his first since 2005, underscored India's enduring commitment to diplomatic and development efforts in Afghanistan. During his visit, Singh announced an increase in economic support to the war-torn country to a joint session of the Afghan Parliament.
