India on Thursday rejected media reports suggesting that the US was in-tuned with it to explore the choice of completing ”over-the-horizon” counter-terror strikes in Afghanistan.
While responding to an issue on the difficulty at a press briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the conversation within the US Congressional hearing on Afghanistan is “slightly different” from the media reports.
“I wouldn’t wish to answer media reports on this issue. i might request you to travel through the particular conversation within the US Congress’ foreign affairs committee hearings which is slightly different from the media reports. I don’t have any longer information to share on this,” he said.
Asked whether the US can use the provisions of the three foundational defence agreements signed between the 2 sides to hunt such an option from India, Bagchi said “no”.
The MEA spokesperson added that no-one can force India.
He said the military pacts, COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement), LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) and BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) are intended to extend interoperability and deepen overall defence cooperation.
Certain media reports suggested that Washington was in talks with New Delhi for completing the “over-the-horizon strikes” in Afghanistan from India.
In the briefing, Bagchi said India continues to be engaged with the US and other partners over the developments in Afghanistan.
Republican Congressman Mark Green sought to explore the likelihood of over-the-horizon capabilities in northwest India for counter-terrorism capabilities in Afghanistan during a Congressional hearing on Monday.
The Biden Administration, in response, preferred to not make specific comments on the difficulty .
“Generally, Congressman, we’re deeply engaged with India across the board. With regard, though, to any specifics about over the increase in capabilities and therefore the plans that we put in situ and can still put in situ , I’d rather take that up during a different setting,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during the Congressional hearing.