KABUL, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Defense Chief Robert Gates on Wednesday hinted at strengthening military presence in Afghanistan where the U.S. and allies have been fighting upsurge insurgency.

    After visiting the troops at Bagram 50km north of Kabul, the U.S. forces Headquarters in Afghanistan, Gates said that he would consider to send more troops to Afghanistan if the commanders recommend.

    "At that point I will make a recommendation to the president," he noted. However, he refused to say how many more troops needed to be sent, but said "it depends on different scenarios."

    Gates, at a joint press conference with President Hamid Karzai Tuesday night, also emphasized that he would consider his commanders' recommendation with regard to reinforcing troops in Afghanistan.

    More than 40,000 troops including over 32,000 under NATO flag and 8,000 others in the framework of the U.S.-led coalition forces have been stationed in Afghanistan to stabilize security in the post-Taliban country.