New Delhi: July 8, 2009 - The Chief of Staff of the Afghan National Army, General Bismillah Khan Mohammadi’s four day visit to India from July 6th has evoked interest in the security establishment in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, United States and any other country interested in Afghanistan.
 
The visit is a part of the commitment agreed by the two countries for bilateral visits at the political, diplomatic and military levels.
 
However, there is a big question that arises out of the trip is whether India will consider sending its troop to Afghanistan for rebuilding, and be in an active partner in the AfPak strategy.
 
To start up with, there is an increasing debate within the establishment of the South Block whether to assure any military assistance to Afghanistan. Since the present United Progressive Alliance is devoid of any pressure from the Left parties, it can push for more co-operations in Afghanistan especially building up the Afghan National Army. Another section fears those move will unnecessarily wrath any future peace process with Pakistan and which may give credence to Pakistan’s claim of Indian security establishment in destabilizing Pakistan.
 
On the other hand, it also needs to be seen how U.S will respond to any pro-active initiative by the defense establishment in India. In hindsight, U.S will appreciate any such moves that will help it wind off from Afghanistan. But any large role in Afghanistan means that it will put pressure on the diplomatic establishment within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to negotiate peace process with Islamabad.
 
Islamabad will definitely not be pleased with any active involvement of Indian security establishment in its western borders. Pakistan has long accused the Indian embassy in Kabul for hatching plans to aggravate the current torrid trend prevalent in Pakistan.
 
(The writer is an international reporter. He can be contacted in his email id mohanbalaji2003@gmail.com mohanbalaji20032004@yahoo.co.in )