Afghan army officers visit Indian academy

KABUL): Former Afghan army officers who had undergone pre-commissioning training from 1974 to 1982 at Indian Military Academy (IMA) attended the passing out parade at their alma mater in Dehradun.

A statement from the Indian embassy in Kabul said 52 Afghan cadets were commissioned as 2nd lieutenant officers in the Afghan National Army (ANA).  The pre commissioning training, suspended since 1979, resumed again in 2005 in the post-Taliban era.

Even spouses and children accompanied some of old timer ex-IMA officers from December 10-17, visiting Taj Mahal in Agra, the academy in Dehradun, Mussorie and New Delhi.

“It was a nostalgic trip to their alma mater reminding them of their own days as gentleman cadet and were happy to be hosted by one of their batch mates,” the statement added.

The passing out parade was reviewed by Defence Minister AK Antony who, along with the Indian Army Chief Gen. Bikram Singh, interacted with the Afghan delegation.

pr/mud

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