ISIS a threat to Indian assets in Afghan, US told

India has expressed concern with the security agencies in the United States about the possible threat to its assets in Afghanistan from the Islamic State (ISIS) and that it might also be supported by Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). The issue, the government sources said, was taken up by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval with the US authorities during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to America.

In the past too, militant groups in Afghanistan have targeted Indian consulates in Jalalabad and Mazar-i-Sharif while in 2008 there was an attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul.

Indian security agencies have flagged the issue with their US counterparts that loyalists of ISIS have been gradually making inroads into Afghanistan, particularly in the Nangarhar region.

India feels that taking advantage of this situation, the Pakistan ISI may back such groups to target Indian assets as Pakistan is extremely sceptical of India’s growing influence in Afghanistan.

PM Modi had a few days ago inaugurated the Friendship Dam, earlier known as Salma Dam, in Afghanistan.

The US too is keen that India should play a key strategic role in Afghanistan, specially after the American forces start pulling out of the country in a phased manner by the end of this year. India is involved in a number of infrastructure projects in Afghanistan and had even helped in building the country’s new Parliament building. However, India’s considerable presence in Afghanistan is causing discomfort to Pakistan.

“While India is committed to play a vital role in rebuilding Afghanistan we want the US to use its influence with Pakistan in ensuring that Indian assets or citizens are not targeted by terror groups who have tacit support of Pak agencies. In the Jalalabad and Mazar-i-Sharif attacks also there was evidence that terror groups operating out of Pakistan were responsible for it,’’a senior government functionary said.

The Indian embassy, consulates and some important infrastructure projects are already being provided security cover by the ITBP.

Sources said the US security agencies have assured full co-operation in ensuring that Indian assets are not targeted by terror groups particularly the increasing threat from Islamic State.

Incidentally, an Indian woman, Judit D’Souza, working with an international NGO was in Kabul on Thursday. Last month the Indian embassy had issued an advisory for Indians residing in Afghanistan or travelling to the country.