Firming India ties

President Hamid Karzai travelled to New Delhi on his twelfth visit to seek military aid and support for Afghanistan’s position on the Durand Line.

President Hamid Karzai travelled to New Delhi on his twelfth visit to seek military aid and support for Afghanistan’s position on the Durand Line.
Interaction between Kabul and New Delhi has always taken place at a time of tension with Islamabad. This time it coincides with Nawaz Sharif – called the father of the Taleban by critics – winning the election, and the recent confrontation with Pakistan on the disputed border.
The president’s spokesman Aimal Faizai said “strengthening military, security and civil institutions and recent incidents (that) occurred across the Durand line with Pakistan” will be on the agenda of talks with Indian leaders. He added: “Based on the security agreement between Afghanistan and India, we will ask for cooperation in our military requirements and strengthen security institutions.” 
Ahead of the visit, the Afghan ambassador to India, Shaida Abdali, said in New Delhi, “India did not come to Afghanistan in 2001 and won’t leave Afghanistan post 2014”  – a veiled dig at the withdrawal of western forces from the country.
Political analysts are gung-ho about relations with India, which is considered “an old and honest friend”. India provides financial help, and has become a major investor in Afghanistan.
Retired General Atiqullah Amarkhail, a political and military analyst, observed: “We need support of foreign countries, especially military help. India and Afghanistan share a 500-year-old friendship and (Indian) support is not new.”
Another military analyst, retired General Amrullah Aman, believes that beside political and economic issues, India can help Afghanistan to build up self-reliance in security forces. 
Fazal Rahman Oria, political analyst and member of the National Coalition, describes the trip as one that will deepen relations with India and operationalise the strategic partnership with the country.
Islamabad’s reaction
Political analyst Omar Sharifi believes Afghanistan cannot wait for “consent and pleasure” of Pakistan. “This trip should not make Pakistan angry because I don’t think the objective is to team up against Pakistan. The focus is on strengthening economic and military institutions. So we can only look at the visit as Afghanistan-oriented rather than Pakistan-oriented.”
However, Abdul Satar Khawasi, MP says: “President Karzai’s trip to India will make Pakistan more sensitive and will double the problems … The government should act wisely.”