India has historical ties with Afghanistan, will always stand in its support:

Dushanbe: Pakistan’s claims of the diminishing influence of India over Afghanistan after the rise of the Taliban are facing a major setback. Currently, the border dispute between Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and Pakistan will escalate into a potential conflict. Meanwhile, the Taliban has decided to cooperate with India for its timely action of providing aid to the Afghan people. Hence the presence of India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, at the Regional Security Dialogue held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and the absence of Pakistan’s participation are of great significance.

India has historical ties with Afghanistan, and India has always stood by the Afghan people. Ajit Doval underlined the importance of India’s relationship with Afghanistan, saying that India has a close relationship with Afghanistan, and no one can change that. At the same time, Doval stressed the need to enhance Afghanistan’s capability to deal with terrorists. While speaking at the conference in Dushanbe, Doval emphasised the need to neutralise terrorists in Afghanistan, which is critical for regional peace and security.

On previous occasions, India has strongly voiced that Afghanistan’s land should not be used to export terrorism. Taliban had proclaimed and assured not to allow any terrorists to act against any other country. Ajit Doval reinstated India’s expectation that the Taliban should protect human rights, provide equal rights to minorities and women, and allow opportunities for education for both boys and girls. Ajit Doval expressed confidence that allowing women to be employed would increase production capabilities, resulting in benefits to the country, which would dissuade youth from adopting fascist ideology.

Ajit Doval demanded that the aid provided to the Afghan people should be distributed without any discrimination. The United Nations recently released a report about the severe famine situation in Afghanistan, which would significantly impact children. Earlier, India announced exporting about 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan. Of this, 17,000 metric tonnes of wheat have already been delivered to Afghanistan.

Additionally, India has provided about five lakh doses of the Covaxin vaccine to the Afghan people to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. India also supplied about 13 tonnes of medicines and essential commodities to Afghanistan. The Taliban regime thanked India for its assistance. During the difficult times, India’s aid to Afghanistan has had a profound effect, and the Taliban is also taking steps to establish cooperation with India. However, India has made its expectations clear to the Taliban regime and is working with other countries to help the Taliban bring about reforms in Afghanistan. India’s National security Advisor’s efforts at the conference in Dushanbe seem to be aligned with the objectives.