India holds ‘Delhi Regional Security Dialogue’; demands Afghanistan shouldnt be used for terrorism

New Delhi – In a meeting hosted by India about the situation in Afghanistan, the Indian National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, highlighted the need for continuous dialogue, close communication, and coordination among all the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan. He said that the change in the Afghanistan regime poses a challenge to the people of Afghanistan and the neighbouring countries. He emphasises the need to monitor the situation in Afghanistan closely.

Moreover, Doval underlined that the situation in Afghanistan would affect the entire region while addressing the meeting of The Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan. NSAs of Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan attended the meeting organised by India. Pakistan and China refused to participate in the meeting. Against this background, the attendance of Russia and the central Asian countries, along with Iran, endorses the Indian stand on Afghanistan. This is reflected in the joint statement issued after the meeting.

A joint resolution of the meeting had a primary demand of Afghan land to be not allowed for terrorism and that the country should not become the centre of international terrorism. Support for a peaceful, secured, and stable Afghanistan was conveyed along with an expectation that Afghanistan’s sovereignty, regional identity, and integrity of Afghanistan be respected with no external interference in the internal matters of Afghanistan. Although there is no direct mention, this demand in the joint statement is made to target Pakistan, trying to use Afghanistan for Anti-India activities and narcotics smuggling.

The joint statement agrees for a collaborated action against extremism, separatism, and narcotics trade. All eight countries expressed grave concerns over the humanitarian and socio-economic crisis developing in Afghanistan. Demand has been made that aid from the international community should directly be provided to the Afghan population.

NSA Ajit Doval expressed confidence that the efforts on this front will prove effective to aid the Afghan population, ensuring security.

Meanwhile, all the seven NSAs, who participated in the meeting, met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The details of the discussion have not been revealed. Pakistan had claimed that the meeting would not be fruitful as Pakistan and China opted out. However, their claim has been dusted. Taliban also welcomed the meeting held in India. Taliban announced that they are hopeful regarding the outcome of the meeting being held in India. Taliban also said that the Indian aid and investment in Afghanistan would be welcome in the times to come.