India to train Afghan national police

Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held discussions with Chief Executive of Afghanistan Dr Abdullah Abdullah.

The Afghan leader, who is on a two-day working visit, had to postpone his Delhi trip to inaugurate an India-Afghan Trade show on Wednesday, following terror strikes at the Kabul Airport even as US Defence Secretary Mattis landed for talks.

“Dr Abdullah conveyed Afghanistan's deep appreciation for India’s continuing support for infrastructure development and capacity building in Afghanistan,” said an official statement.

Security environment in Afghanistan and the immediate neighbourhood, and cross-border terrorism featured prominently in the discussions.

The two sides also exchanged an MoU for Technical Cooperation on Police Training and Development in the presence of the two leaders.

In the last nearly 13 years, India has so far trained nearly 5,000 soldiers and officers of the Afghan National Army.

In addition, India would now train the Afghan National Police over the next five years to assist in law enforcement and strengthen the rule of law in its strategic partner country.

Modi reiterated India's commitment to extend full support to Afghanistan's efforts for “building a peaceful, united, prosperous, inclusive and democratic Afghanistan,” said the statement.