President Ghani Hails India for Supporting the Afghan Air Force

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani hailed India for supporting the Afghan national security forces, specifically the Afghan Air Force.
The Presidential Palace said President Ghani met with the External Affairs Minister of India on the sideline of the Heart of Asia conference in Islamabad today.
No further details were given regarding India’s support to the Afghan national security forces, specifically the Afghan Air Force. However, his remarks follow almost a month after reports emerged regarding India’s decision to supply four Mi-25 gunship helicopters to Afghanistan.
According to the reports, the gunship helicopters are expected to kick-off operations with the Afghan Air Force earlier next year.
In the meantime, President Ghani discussed regarding India’s support on cutting, polishing and export of Afghanistan’s marble to European markets, the statement by Presidential Palace said.
The statement further added that the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj hailed President Ghani for delivering a clear message regarding Afghanistan and the region to the participants of Heart of Asia summit.

She also added that India will remain committed to support Afghanistan in mining and other development sectors, reaffirming the country’s long term support to Afghanistan.