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The world – the Americas
Austin’s visit to Kabul comes at a time when the United States is reviewing the Doha agreement with the Taliban while keeping all options on the table for discussion, especially regarding the deadline for withdrawal from Afghanistan on 1 May, according to the newspaper Tolo. News.
Austin visited India last Friday where he and his Indian counterpart discussed expanding the scope of their military involvement, the fact that their country is one of the largest arms sellers to India. This confirms the strengthening of defense relations between the two countries, which are concerned about China’s growing influence in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
The two sides will discuss India’s plans to buy armed drones from the United States, as well as a mega deal for more than 150 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force to help bridge the gap with China.
Austin’s visit to India is the first by a prominent member of the Biden administration, as part of efforts to form a coalition of countries aimed at countering China’s influence in the region.
US “NBC News” reported last week that US President Joe Biden is considering keeping US forces in Afghanistan until next November, rather than withdrawing them before the May 1 deadline set in the Doha agreement. .
In recent discussions with members of his national security team, Biden opposed the Defense Department’s efforts to keep US forces in Afghanistan beyond May 1, but was persuaded to reconsider the six-month extension.
