India seeks to revive hospital on Afghan border

Move in light of uncertain security scenario with US reducing presence

Gearing up for the uncertain security scenario after the US downsizes presence in Afghanistan by 2014,India has formally approached Tajikistan to allow re-establishment of the famous Indian field hospital at Farkhor on the Tajik-Afghan border.

India had first set up this hospital in 2000-01 to service the Northern Alliance troops fighting the Taliban. The field hospital had even moved in and out of Afghan territory during the war. In fact,Ahmed Shah Masood was rushed to this hospital after being shot by his assassins,who had masqueraded as a television crew.

While Masood could not be saved,the 25-bed field hospital had built a strong reputation and was seen as a symbol of the mutually beneficial relationship between India and the NA forces. However,after the Taliban were ousted,the hospital had been folded up. Nearly a decade later,it is back on priority list in the light of the fast-changing situation in the area.

Its learnt that an Indian team held detailed discussions on this issue and a range of other proposals with their Tajik counterparts at Dushanbe few weeks ago. Also,both sides sorted out issues emerging from the nature of Indian presence at the Ayni airbase,10 km from Dushanbe.

This airbase is Indias only foreign military asset which the Air Force has completely refurbished. Of late,Pakistan has been lodging protests with Tajikistan on the presence of Indian troops. Tajik officials have sought to downplay Indian rights to use the airbase in a bid to allay concerns of not just Pakistan,but even China.

Sources,however,confirmed that the Indo-Tajik understanding has not undergone any change. The Indian Air Force contingent stationed at Ayni also participated in the September 9 military parade in Dushanbe. This was done at the invitation of the Tajikistan government.

With the US set to withdraw from the Af-Pak region,New Delhi is doing its best to revive old contacts and increase influence as well as presence among Central Asian republics.