Author: Pranab Dhal Samanta
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: August 3, 2008
URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/story/343949.html
Introduction: Clinching evidence of ISI involvement
prompts closer defence ties with Afghanistan
Evidence is piling up against Pakistan's ISI
as the mastermind of the attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul last month.
Forensic investigations carried out by the NATO-led International Security
Assistance Force have shown that the three mines and a tank shell which were
also in the car that exploded bear markings of Pakistan Ordnance Factory,
Wah.
Prompted by this, India is set to start a
serious conversation on defence cooperation with Afghanistan during President
Hamid Karzai's visit to Delhi starting Sunday.
Forensic experts went into great detail, examining
the remnants from the blast site and concluded that the markings on the ammunition
were of Pakistan Ordnance Factory, Wah. This has now been conveyed to Indian
and Afghan authorities.
This physical evidence, sources said, was
crucial to corroborating the technical evidence which the US had gathered
in the form of intercepts between ISI officials and members of the Jalaluddin
Haqqani group before the attack.
The US had worked on these intercepts to conclude
that serious plans were afoot to attack the Indian Embassy. This was passed
on to Afghan authorities who then alerted the Indian embassy which stepped
up the security.
Forensic investigations have confirmed use
of mobile oil in large quantities along with RDX. After analysing photographs
from security cameras, sources said, experts have concluded that the car used
was a blue Toyota.
The attack is fast proving to be a turning
point in India's approach to Afghanistan with the country actively considering
more meaningful defence cooperation with the Karzai government. The clearest
indicator is the last-minute inclusion of Afghan Defence Minister Abdul Rahim
Wardak in Karzai's delegation.
Kabul has been keen on establishing closer
defence ties with India given the long-term nature of the threat it faces
from Pakistan-sponsored terror outfits. Currently, the US is involved in raising
and training the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) of 70,000 troops. This, however,
is inadequate as far as the Karzai regime is concerned.
In fact, between 2003 and 2006, the West had
spent only $3 billion on the ANA, raising questions on its commitment. There
was sudden urgency last year and assistance to ANA was stepped up to $4 billion
for 2007 alone. But all this still does not add up because of these 70,000,
half would be combat-trained.
South Block officials have been clear from
the start that a country like Afghanistan with all its security requirements
needs an army of not less than 120-130,000 along with armoured and artillery
support. However, India has stayed out of involving itself in Afghanistan's
defence matters because of Pakistan's sensitivities in the matter.
On many occasions, Islamabad has made this
clear to Washington and London besides other key countries that it was strongly
against New Delhi's involvement in Kabul's military affairs. The attack on
the Indian embassy, however, seems to have prompted a change in approach.
To begin with, India could consider helping
Afghanistan service some old equipment and possibly in supplies. Kabul has
in the past handed over lists of items it would need in the Defence sector
from India.
While no exact commitments are expected during
the Karzai visit, sources said, the first detailed discussions will definitely
begin and India would keep an open mind. On a broader plane, India will look
to develop a coordinated effort with other Western powers to force a rethink
on giving more teeth to the fledgling Afghan Army.