The US is withdrawing its military presence from Afghanistan by the end of this year. In this context, India’s decision to finance Russian arms supplies to Afghanistan is significant. Kabul will be soon left alone to withstand the Taliban threat. The Afghan armed forces are on the march to secure the country. But with western support pulling out, will Kabul be able to take the Taliban on and other such forces, especially with Pakistan lending the latter a helping hand? Under the strategic partnership agreement of 2011, Delhi is committed to offer military assistance to Afghanistan. Pakistan has always taken a dim view of this accord. Now Delhi’s request to Moscow to organize arms supplies to Kabul comes at a crucial time. Kabul lacks heavy weaponry. Selling arms is a major step in India promoting military cooperation with Afghanistan.
There are, however, so many problems involved. Russia is now facing a stand- off with the US and the EU over Ukraine. US Secretary of State John Kerry’s mediation led to a temporary lull which was fractured in no time. Memories of the Russian presence in Afghanistan decades ago also rankle in Kabul. Then India is on the brink of a political changeover. Will its new government be stronger in helping Afghanistan? Of course, Delhi will be no substitute for the US presence which is petering out. It cannot provide anything comparable to US military assistance. India lacks the money and the resources to be effective. It should strengthen its ties with Afghanistan’s neighbours such as Iran, Tajikstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Above all, the result of the Afghan Presidential election may also make a difference.
