NSA Ajit Doval says, "India has always stood by Afghanistan", calls for counter-terrorism

Dushanbe, May 27: Following the 3rd Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan, the National Security Advisor’s of Tajikistan, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan and China met in Dushanbe on Friday. NSA Ajit Doval took the opportunity to meet his counterparts from Iran, Tajikistan, Russia and other partners in the Dialogue on the sidelines of the meeting.

 

 

 

"India has always stood by the people of Afghanistan. India has focused on infrastructure, connectivity and humanitarian assistance over the decades. After August 2021, India has already provided 17000 MT of Wheat out of a total commitment of 50000 MT, 500000 doses of Covaxin, 13 tons of essential life saving medicines and winter clothing as well as 60 million doses of polio vaccine," he said.

 

 

He highlighted the need for representation of all sections of Afghan society including women and minorities so that the collective energies of the largest possible proportion of the Afghan population feel motivated to contribute to nation-building. NSA Ajit Doval said, "There is a need for all present at the Dialogue to enhance the capability of Afghanistan to counter-terrorism and terrorist groups which pose a threat to regional peace and security."

 

 

Further, he stressed that India was and is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan. Special relationship with people of Afghanistan over centuries will guide India’s approach. Nothing can change this. "With collective efforts of Regional Dialogue members, we can help people of Afghanistan to build a prosperous and vibrant nation once again," he added.

 

Taking forward the spirit encapsulated in the Delhi Declaration, the NSAs discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the region. They highlighted the need to find constructive ways to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan and combat risks from terrorism emanating from the region.

 

In November 2021, India hosted the third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan. The Islamic Republic of Iran hosted the dialogue's first two editions in 2018 and 2019.

 

 

The high-level Dialogue examined the regional security situation in light of recent events in Afghanistan. It discussed strategies for addressing the country's security concerns and assisting Afghans in promoting peace, security, and stability. India has long had deep and amicable relations with the Afghan people, and has urged for a coordinated international response to the country's security and humanitarian difficulties.

 

US special representative for Afghanistan Thomas West paid a quiet visit to India during which both sides reviewed the overall situation in the war-torn country including the humanitarian crisis. In a series of tweets on Thursday, West complimented India for providing critical humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and said Washington will continue to partner with New Delhi and others in the region to advance "shared goals".