Pakistan using militant proxy against India, says Pentagon report
According to media reports, the Pentagon has recently submitted a report on South Asia, where it has reportedly said that Pakistan is backing militant groups to counter superior Indian military.
The report which was submitted to US Congress also contained that Afghan-and Indian-focused militants continue to operate from Pakistan territory to the detriment of Afghan and regional stability. Pakistan uses these proxy forces to hedge against the loss of influence in Afghanistan and to counter India's superior military.
The half-yearly report, which is titled ''Progress Towards Security and Stability in Afghanistan', mentioned that about the terrorist attack on the Indian consulate in Herat in Afghanistan in May, which came just ahead of Narendra Modi taking charge as the Prime Minister of India.
In June, the US Department of State announced that the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba was responsible for the attack. Following the attack, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai denounced the attack and made strong statements supporting relations with India.
Praising India's valiant effort in restoring peace, law & order and assistance in building a stable and secure Afghanistan, the report said, "India supports a variety of high-visibility projects and initiatives in Afghanistan. India and Afghanistan signed a strategic partnership declaration in 2011, which formalised cooperation on governance, economics, commerce, education, public administration, and security and law enforcement."
"India has shown increased interest in Afghan security assistance, though activities in this area remain limited. India currently offers country-based training to ANSF personnel across a number of specialties," it added.
On the other hand, the report attacked Pakistan did just the opposite of what it said.
"These relationships run counter to Pakistan's public commitment to support Afghan-led reconciliation. Such groups continue to act as the primary irritant in Afghan-Pakistan bilateral relations," Pentagon said in its 100-page report.
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