India set for larger role in postwar Afghanistan

New Delhi --

As the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan prepares for the pullout of combat troops by 2014, India cautiously positioned itself Thursday to expand its role in the country's postwar stabilization by helping direct global business investment there.

Indian officials signaled the move - which came after months of prodding by the United States - by hosting an international conference here to discuss the possibility of investment in Afghanistan's mines, infrastructure and agriculture. The country's mineral and hydrocarbon wealth alone is estimated to be between $1 trillion and $3 trillion.

The conference comes just two weeks after the Taliban issued an unusual statement praising India for resisting the U.S. calls for it to play a larger role in Afghanistan, and New Delhi appeared to use the forum to define a unique niche for itself: By taking a lead in promoting investment in Afghanistan, it acknowledged Washington's vision of achieving long-term stability in the war-torn country. But by restricting itself to the language of commerce, it avoided appearing intrusive - and also nodded to the aversion voiced by Pakistan and the Taliban to the idea of an Indian military presence there.

"We need to offer a narrative of opportunity to counter the anxiety of withdrawal, uncertainty, instability and foreign interference," India's foreign minister, S.M. Krishna, told the representatives of firms from 40 countries who attended the conference. "The military drawdown should not result in a political or security vacuum that will be filled by extremists once again. There should be something productive in its place."

India has committed $2 billion to reconstruction and development projects in Afghanistan, including building roads and schools and installing power lines. It also helps train the country's bureaucrats and police. But so far, its decision to steer clear of a military role has earned it goodwill among Afghans, and it appeared to confirm that stance Thursday.

"With today's conference, India is saying it is best at giving nonmilitary assistance and that it will help mobilize other countries and coordinate investment so that Afghanistan does not feel left in the lurch after the troops pull out in 2014," said Lalit Mansingh, a former Indian ambassador to the United States.

Source: http://feeds.sfgate.com/click.phdo?i=10dc8ed251a5b5691b862bd998654b34

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