Peace can prevail in Afghanistan only after terrorist shelters in neighbouring countries are destroyed, Indian Foreign Minister attacks Pakistan in the UNSC

United Nations: – India emphasised that the terrorist safe havens in Pakistan are responsible for the terrorism and bloodshed in Afghanistan. The Indian Foreign Minister attacked Pakistan in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting without a direct mention. At the same time, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar also pointed out to the UNSC that Pakistan is economically cornering Afghanistan by stopping the trade transport routes to that country.

Discussions were being held regarding the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in the UNSC. At this time, the Indian Foreign Minister clarified that the roots of the violence and instability in Afghanistan are in the terrorist safe havens in Pakistan. Avoiding to name it directly, Jaishankar said that Pakistan is exporting terrorism to Afghanistan across the border. Therefore, if there has to be perpetual peace in Afghanistan, the secured shelters of these terrorists across the border have to be destroyed. Jaishankar frankly warned that the policy of not accepting any terrorism would have to be adopted, including cross-border terrorism.

The Afghan territory should not be used for any terrorist activities in any other country. Those supplying money and further assistance to these terrorists will have to be held accountable for this. The Indian Foreign Minister expected that the international community should demonstrate necessary commitment through its various organisations for this purpose. At the same time, Foreign Minister Jaishankar pointed out that Pakistan has become the biggest obstacle in the economic progress of Afghanistan.

There are no ports in Afghanistan. Therefore, Afghanistan is dependent on the ports in Pakistan for its freight movement. Pakistan has also blocked the material movement to Afghanistan, even through roadways. Jaishankar pointed out that these shackles will have to be broken if there has to be economic progress in Afghanistan. Currently, a fierce conflict is being fought between the Taliban and the Afghan military. Therefore, the possibility of establishing peace through dialogue is ruled out. Jaishankar expressed confidence that the peace process worked out and implemented by the Afghans can only bring peace to that country. The Indian Foreign Minister has indirectly blamed Pakistan for hindering the peace process in Afghanistan.

India has repeatedly warned, even in the past, that Pakistan is the cause of all the problems in Afghanistan. The Afghan government also is showering criticism on Pakistan for this. Afghan Foreign Minister Hanif Atmar blamed the Taliban for assisting Pakistan-based terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba and others for saboteur activities in India. The Afghan government is indicating that all this is not possible without the support of the Pakistan government. The accusation of the Afghan government against the Taliban becomes significant amid reports of India having a dialogue with the Taliban.