Developments in Afghanistan will impact India: PM Modi

The fast-changing situation in Afghanistan will have the greatest impact on neighbouring countries like India and that is why it is necessary to create a regional focus and cooperation on this issue.

New Delhi: Expressing deep concern over the recent developments in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the situation in Afghanistan will have the greatest impact on neighbouring countries like India and that is why it is necessary to create a regional focus and cooperation on this issue.

Addressing a virtual meeting between Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the PM said, "We have to pay attention to four issues. The first issue is that the transition of power in Afghanistan is not inclusive, and it has happened without negotiations." He asserted that the representation of all sections of Afghan society, including women and minorities, is also important. And therefore, the decision on recognition of such a new system must be taken by the global community collectively and after due thought, Modi pointed out.

India supports the central role of the United Nations on this issue. Second, if instability and fundamentalism persist in Afghanistan, it will encourage terrorist and extremist ideologies all over the world, said Modi, adding, other extremist groups may also be encouraged to come to power through violence.

He said, "All countries have been the victims of terrorism in the past, and therefore, together we should ensure that the territory of Afghanistan is not used to spread terrorism in any other country. SCO member countries should develop strict and agreed norms on this subject."

In future, these norms can then become a template for global anti-terror cooperation. He stressed that these norms should be based on the principle of zero-tolerance towards terrorism.

There should be a code of conduct to prevent activities like cross-border terrorism and terror financing and also have a system for their enforcement, PM Modi reiterated.

During the meeting, Modi noted that the third issue related to developments in Afghanistan is the uncontrolled flow of drugs, illegal weapons and human trafficking. A large number of advanced weapons remain in Afghanistan. Due to these, there will be a risk of instability in the entire region, he said. The RATS mechanism of SCO can play a constructive role in monitoring these flows and enhancing information-sharing.

"From this month, India is chairing the Council of SCO-RATS. We have developed proposals for practical cooperation on this subject," he stated.

Prime Minister underlined that the fourth issue is the serious humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. "The economic deprivation of the Afghan people is increasing due to the interruption of financial and trade flows. At the same time, the challenge of COVID is also a cause of distress for them," he said.

India has been a trusted partner of Afghanistan for many years in development and humanitarian assistance. In every sector from infrastructure to education, health and capacity building, India has contributed to every part of Afghanistan.

"We must work together to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches Afghanistan in an unhindered manner. The Afghan and Indian people share a special relationship for centuries," Modi reiterated. India will extend full cooperation in every regional or global initiative to help the Afghan society.