India Matters looks at a dimension not often explored in Afghanistan: the dreams and aspirations of a people fed up with over three decades of conflict. Cricket and the meteoric rise of the country's team has enabled a country divided on ethnic, tribal and linguistic lines to unite in celebration on the rubble of conflict. India has played a role both inspirational and on the ground to further the country's success on the pitch. On the battleground with the Taliban, President Hamid Karzai has asked New Delhi for a wishlist of military equipment. India is already providing non-lethal equipment and training its security forces. 2014 is a crucial year in Afghanistan as it prepares for a triple transition: militarily, withdrawal of coalition combat troops; economically, 16 billion dollars of foreign military and development aid annually will be at stake; and politically, the country's first peaceful transition of presidential power is scheduled from April. India Matters looks at how New Delhi is looking to enlarge its footprint in Afghanistan as that happens.
(Read more)
