Kabul (NVI): Taking forward its strategic defence and bilateral ties with Afghanistan, India gifted second pair of Mi-24V Helicopters to Kabul at a ceremony here on October 15.
These helicopters are the second batch, which are a replacement for the four helicopters gifted by India to Afghanistan in 2015 and 2016.
The second pair of helicopters were handed over to Defence Minister of Afghanistan Asadullah Khalid by the Indian Ambassador to the country Vinay Kumar.
Congratulating the Afghan Air force (AFF) on the new induction, the Ambassador said that it would ensure the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) maintains an agile and robust counter terrorism capability.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister of Afghanistan has thanked India for its support.
The Embassy of India, Kabul tweeted, “ H.E. Vinay Kumar, Indian Ambassador @vkumar1969 handed over the 2nd pair of Mi-24V helicopters to Afg MinDef Asadullah Khalid at a ceremony today. These helicopters are a replacement for the four helicopters gifted by India to Afg in 2015/2016.”
“Amb Vinay Kumar @vkumar1969 congratulated the AAF on the Mi-24V induction and wished them success. H.E Asadullah Khalid thanked India for its support”.
The Ambassador also reiterated India’s commitment to supporting peace and harmony in Afghanistan and to assist all Afghans in securing a better future. He cited numerous high impact community developmental programmes partnered by India to further this cause.
He also highlighted Indians cholarship that are given each year to deserving Afghan students and the newly introduced special scholarships exclusively for kin of martyrs of ANDSF,India’s role as a trade partner for Afghan produce and the importance of the Kabul-Delhi air corridor was also highlighted.
He commended the ANDSF on their stellar effort to provide an umbrella of security to achieve these shared and common values against cross-border terrorism and internal threats.
— RB
