India important stakeholder in Afghanistan: NSA Doval

Story by  ATV | Posted by  Aasha Khosa • 1 Years ago
Meeting of the Regional 4th regional dialogue on Afghanistan
Meeting of the Regional 4th regional dialogue on Afghanistan

 

New Delhi

National security Advisor Ajit Doval said there is a need for all the regional players to enhance the capability of Afghanistan to counter-terrorism and terrorist groups that pose a threat to regional peace and security. Doval was speaking at the meeting of the national security chiefs of Tajikistan, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and China in Dushanbe on Friday.

The Security Chiefs of these countries met for the fourth Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan.

Taking forward the spirit encapsulated in the Delhi Declaration of the 3rd Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in November, the NSAs highlighted the need to find constructive ways to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan and combat risks from terrorism emanating from the region.

Doval elaborated on India’s approach to Afghanistan and said, “India was and is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan. Special relationship with the people of Afghanistan over centuries will guide India’s approach. Nothing can change this.”

He said India has historical and civilizational relations with Afghanistan and has always stood by the people of Afghanistan. “This will continue to guide India’s approach,” he told the conference. He said, “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 lifesaving medicines, and winter clothing as well as 60 million doses of polio vaccine.”

In a message to the Taliban, Doval told the meeting that there “is a 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.”

He said the foremost priority should be the right to life and a dignified living as well as the protection of the human rights of all Afghans.

Doval said, “the international assistance should be accessible to all, respect for all obligations under international humanitarian law should be ensured.”

He said, “Women and youth are critical for the future of any society. Provision of education to girls and employment to women and youth will ensure productivity and spur growth. It will also have a positive social impact including discouraging radical ideologies among youth.