KABUL - Despite reservations, the Indian government has said it is considering military experts to Afghanistan to help train the Afghan forces. The plan has been sent to the Indian Cabinet Defense Committee for approval.
"The Indian government is considering a proposal to dispatch experts and army officers to Kabul to train the Afghan National Army (ANA)...ahead of the drawdown of US-led forces in 2014," an Indian Military official revealed on condition of anonymity.
But the plan that would allow Indian military officers to enter Afghanistan for training Afghan forces has yet to be approved by the Indian defense officials and the Indian Prime Minister.
The Afghan Ministry of Defense declined to comment on the report.
Already, the Indian government provides training to Afghan nationals in various fields including anti terror war, intelligence and other areas. Yet most of this training takes place in India itself, where Afghan officers are sent.
Over the past 12 years, India has maintained an increasingly visible role in various spheres in Afghanistan, whether economic, political or militarily.
But India's role in Afghanistan has led to speculations and concerns surrounding relations with Pakistan, which has been India's long-time rival in the region.
"India on the one hand strives to gain information from Afghanistan by dispatching its military and defense experts and on the other hand it will also provide training for the Afghan forces in various areas," Afghan military analyst Jawed Kohstani said.
"This will worsen ties with its rival Pakistan and Islamabad wont remain silent, and it will try to increase attacks among Afghan and Indian forces," he added.
Several Indian nationals were killed in Afghanistan over the last several years and the murder of three Indian military experts forced the Indian government to seriously rethink its approach.
Nevertheless, Delhi has shown no signs of curtailing its cooperation with Kabul.
The Indian government previously announced that training would be provided to 11,00 Afghan security personnel by the end of 2014, which is when the NATO coalition will fully withdraw from Afghanistan. (Tolo News)