NSA Ajit Doval emphasizes to prioritize 'countering terror financing' at 'India-Central Asia' Summit
Addressing the inaugural meeting of "National Security Advisers / Secretaries of Security Councils" Doval said, "Afghanistan is an important issue concerning us all."
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New Delhi, Dec 6: Flagging the persistence of terrorist networks in Central Asia, including in Afghanistan, National Security Advisor ( NSA ) Ajit Doval on Tuesday (Dec 6) emphasized on making countering of terror financing a priority for India and other countries in the region.
Addressing the inaugural meeting of "National Security Advisers / Secretaries of Security Councils" with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Doval said, "Afghanistan is an important issue concerning us all." "India's concerns and objectives ...and immediate priority and the way forward, are similar to many of those around the table," Doval said. Turkmenistan was represented by its ambassador to India.
Underlining that a peaceful, secure and prosperous Central Asia is in the common interest, Doval Tuesday (Dec 6) raised concerns about the presence of terrorist networks in Afghanistan. "Persistence of terrorist networks in the region, including in Afghanistan is also a matter of deep concern. Financing is the lifeblood of terrorism and countering terrorism should be an equal priority for all of us," he added. He also asked central Asian countries to call on all UN members to fulfill obligations enshrined in relevant counter-terror conventions and refrain from providing support to entities involved in terror attacks.
Giving highest priority to the region, NSA Doval noted that Central Asia is India's extended neighbourhood with civilizational linkages to the country. The first one-day NSA level meet today follows the first summit in Jan 2022 between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. NSA Doval said that India-Central Asia Summit held in January this year formed the basis of today's meeting. Doval said this meeting comes at a time of great churn in international relations and uncertainty about the future.
"Today's meeting assumes importance, as it provides us an opportunity to discuss matters which require greater cooperation and coordination amongst the regional countries," he added. Doval also noted that connectivity with Central Asian countries remains a key priority for India.