India reminds U.S. that it sends soldiers abroad only for UN Peacekeeping Operations

In response to Donald Trump’s jibe about India building libraries in Afghanistan, an official source said that Indian assistance to Afghanistan is part of a bilateral arrangement with the Government of President Ashraf Ghani.

President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

India on Thursday reminded the United States that it does not send soldiers abroad but for U.N. Peacekeeping Operations. The statement from sources came hours after President Donald Trump spoke mockingly about India’s development work in Afghanistan indicating that Delhi should send soldiers to control the decades-long civil war in the country.

“India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives. India does not send its armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations,” said a source speaking on condition of anonymity.

President Trump in his statement had referred to his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

indicating that building of facilities like libraries do not add to resolving the security crisis in Afghanistan and sought regional cooperation involving India, Pakistan and Russia to resolve the crisis in Kabul.

However, the official source said that Indian assistance to Afghanistan is part of a bilateral arrangement with the Government of President Ashraf Ghani.

“This partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the Government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people,” said the source reminding the U.S. President that India is the largest regional donor to Afghanistan.

The Indian response and the comment from President Trump is also setting the scene for bilateral security dialogue that the Afghan NSA Hamidullah Mohid will hold with senior officials in Delhi during a visit that begins on Thursday. Mr Mohid is the first official of Afghanistan to visit India in the new year even as the U.S. continues to push ahead with a dialogue with the Taliban representatives.