India concerned over US pull out from Afghanistan
Thursday, 25/07/2013
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130725/main6.htm#2
New Delhi : India today made its apprehensions clear to the US on what it perceives will be the situation in Afghanistan after the US-led international forces start withdrawing in June 2014.
The Indian defence establishment pointed out its opinion to US Army Chief Gen Raymond T Odierno today. The US Army Chief is on a visit to India and he called on Defence Minister AK Antony besides interacting with Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh and Navy Chief Admiral DK Joshi.
The Indian side today raised issues and possible scenarios which may emerge following the disengagement of US-led forces from Afghanistan and attempts of the US to engage the ‘moderate group of Taliban’ in talks. New Delhi is suspicious of talks between the US and the Taliban. The first round was to be conducted at Qatar a few weeks ago. However, it was cancelled. Both India and Afghanistan had reacted sharply to the US move.
India, which has invested $2 billion (approx Rs 12,000 crore) in Afghanistan since the Taliban were ousted from power in 2001, is unhappy at US reconciliation with the Taliban. New Delhi believes it would give legitimacy to militant groups, some of which are backed by Pakistan and thrive on its land.
