The recent cooperation mediated by China between Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight terror in the region, does give a good appeal. If it really gets implemented in spirit, Afghanistan would actually benefit greatly in its nation building activities. The extension of CPEC might also help Afghanistan refurbish its economy and stand back. However, the so called support extended by China to Afghanistan in collaboration with Pakistan looks hoax designed by China to protect its investments in Pakistan. Afghanistan has to understand the difference between a friend and a foe, instead of desperately siding anyone.
The deadly traumatic attack on Shia cultural centre showcases that if ISIS is not contained immediately, they might make Afghanistan its next capital after Syria. The basis of ISIS ideology is hostility against the West (we can put aside reasons for the same now). Afghanistan can be considered as a temporary base of US for rehabilitation of war affected Afghanistan. ISIS, after getting uprooted, is already looking for a new soil to grow on, as it has been uprooted but not dead till now. Hence, Afghanistan may serve as a perfect destination.
India and Afghanistan’s bilateral relations have traditionally been strong and friendly. Given the common problems faced from Pakistan, they have been a close ally who support each other. India is still supporting its stand towards Afghanistan. The changed US policy in Afghanistan has just reinforced the help India was willing to offer in reconstruction, since 2001.
However, India’s help is based on the perspective of capability and confidence building. In order to fight the neo-extremism Afghanistan will primarily need to end its dependency on any foreign country. In order to protect itself from threats like ISIS seize, it needs to develop and upgrade the capability of its citizens. Considering it as the main objective of its policy to reconstruct Afghanistan. Indian Armed Forces have facilitated the training of more than 4,000 Afghan soldiers.
Moreover, India, not missing the angle that women constitute a major share of the population and become the vulnerable targets in form of any conflict. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Manpreet Vohra with Afghan Ministry of Defense initiated a platform, wherein, the Afghan women military personnel will be trained by Indian Army for combat roles at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.
This military training programme commenced on December 4 will aim at to acquaint the officers with basic military orientation including physical training, tactics, communication skills and leadership which will lead the way further for training others on their soil.
Apart from combating roles, the soldiers are also undergoing training to use hand grenades, AK-47s, INSAS assault rifles, etc. Hence, the aim of the training is majorly to initiate capability building in Afghan defense forces to stay ready for any kind of security challenge. Hopefully, this will also help Afghanistan prevent and challenge any more ‘Kabul attack’ from happening
Add Comment