US Defence Secretary James Mattis has said that India’s decision not to send troops to war-torn Afghanistan was perhaps guided by the Pakistan factor.
Mattis praised India’s contributions to Afghanistan’s development before lawmakers at House Armed Services Committee, saying New Delhi has adopted a holistic approach in its assistance towards the country. “It is really a very holistic approach that India is taking. You’ll notice I left off (Indian) boots (soldiers) on the ground because of the complexity that would bring to Pakistan,” Mattis said in response to a question during the Congressional hearing on South Asia.