Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
November 06, 2015

Afghanistan is reportedly about to acquire four Russian-made Mi-25 attack helicopters from India amid a widening Taliban insurgency across the country.

Sources in New Delhi and Kabul were quoted as saying Afghan National Security Adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar was due in the Indian capital this weekend to finalize the transfer.

One Indian source said India had discussed ways to ship the helicopters to Afghanistan with the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan, General John Campbell.

The supply of the assault helicopters would reportedly be the first offensive weapons provided by India to Afghanistan since the two countries signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2011.

In New Delhi, Atmar will also be discussing a proposal to train Afghan special forces in counterinsurgency schools in India, an unidentified Afghan official said.

Based on reporting by Reuters