India promises military helicopters to Hamid Karzai

NEW DELHI: India is likely to supply two military transport helicopters to Afghanistan soon, a government official said after Afghan President Hamid Karzai met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here on Friday.

On his third visit to the country this year, Karzai yet again urged New Delhi to supply military hardware to his country as the US troops prepare to withdraw from there. His wish list included 150 battle tanks, field guns, howitzers and one squadron of attack helicopters.

India, as a matter of policy, however, only supplies non-lethal equipment such as transport aircraft and helicopters to other countries.

India is one of the closest friends of Karzai whose ties with the US are deteriorating. It has been providing transport, logistical and engineering equipment to Afghanistan and training its security personnel in India.

An official said Karzai also asked for sending military trainers to the 'Sandhurst in the sand' military academy set up by the UK in Kabul. There is a need for 120 additional trainers in this academy.

Karzai and Singh also discussed Afghanistan's proposed bilateral security agreement (BSA) with the US.

"Both (New Delhi and Kabul) see the agreement important for security and stability of Afghanistan," external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told reporters.

The BSA would mandate the size and shape of the US military presence in Afghanistan after the NATO combat mission ends in 2014.

Despite mounting pressure from Washington, Karzai has refused to sign BSA unless some key conditions are being met. He sought India's advice on BSA and shared his views on the pact.

India, according to sources, feels that the BSA in its current form may not safeguard its interests in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US troops. There are fears that the Pakistan Army will expand its influence in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal.

It is understood that Karzai would work towards reflecting India's concerns in BSA before signing it.