COUNTERNARCOTICS DEMARCHE: INDIAN AID WILL BE

C O N F I D E N T I A L NEW DELHI 002473

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/31/2015
TAGS: PREL SNAR IN UK AF
SUBJECT: COUNTERNARCOTICS DEMARCHE: INDIAN AID WILL BE
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

REF: A. STATE 58810


B. NEW DELHI 1521

Classified By: A/PolCouns Matt Boyse. Reasons 1.4 (b, d)


1. (C) Poloff delivered counternarcotics demarche (Ref A) to
MEA Director (Afghanistan) Tsewang Namgyal on April 1
following confirmation from British High Commission of
delivery of the Jack Straw letter. Namgyal confirmed our UK
colleague's report that India is not considering a
contribution to the Counter Narcotics Trust Fund, but will
instead implement a "community development program" to
provide alternative livelihood options for poppy farmers (Ref
B).


2. (C) Noting that the Afghan government had requested
India's assistance in this field, Namgyal stated that after
the GOA selects an area for the pilot project (expected in
April),the GOI will send a team from its Planning Commission
to assess options and implement employment projects. If the
pilot project is successful, India will replicate the program
in other areas, he stated.
DUSHANBE MINIMIZE CONSIDERED
MULFORD