Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan poses any threat to the security of India;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the strategy worked out by the Government to tackle the menace of extremist groups operating in our neighbourhood?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) NATO has announced at its Lisbon Summit a transition of security responsibility to the Government of Afghanistan. The Lisbon Summit Declaration clarified that the transition would be conditions-based, not calendar driven, and would not equate to withdrawal of ISAF troops from Afghanistan. The international community has also affirmed its long term commitment to Afghanistan.

(c) Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s national interest and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220217452.

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South Asia