New Delhi: Taking a very diplomatic approach, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Thursday, during a weekly media briefing, said that India and Russia share a special and privileged strategic partnership and that India is engaged with Russia regularly on the issue of Afghanistan.
The response comes amid a report that India has not been invited to a crucial ‘extended Troika meeting’ being convened by Russia about the security situation in Afghanistan. The meeting which is scheduled to be held in Qatar on August 11 is expected to see the participation of China, Pakistan and the United States.
As the Taliban offensive is taking a toll on the war-torn country amid the ongoing US troop withdrawal, Russia is stepping up efforts to reach out to the major stakeholders to end violence in Afghanistan and push the Afghan peace process.
This is not the first time when India has not been invited to the extended Troika meeting. Russia also strategically avoided India during the earlier meetings that took place under the format on March 18 and April 30.
Also read: Moscow holds "Troika" meeting on peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, India not invited
It is important to note that last month, Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said in Tashkent that Russia will continue to work with India and other countries for peace to prevail in Afghanistan, which was indicative of the fact that India would be included in the upcoming ‘extended Troika meeting’. Commenting on the issue, international affairs expert Dr Suvro Kamal Dutta said, “India should make its position very clear to Russia about the extended Troika talks at Qatar on 11 August and show its displeasure to Russia.”
Meanwhile, on the fast-evolving situation in Afghanistan, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “You're aware of our close relationship with Afghanistan. Our relationship covers various aspects, including a strong development partnership component. We're also strategic partners & our relationship is guided by a strategic partnership agreement that both countries signed in 2011”. India has been supporting the Government & people of Afghanistan in realizing their aspirations for a peaceful, democratic & prosperous future where the interest of all sections of Afghan society, including women & minorities, are protected, added Bagchi during the press briefing.
Bagchi further reiterated, “We are closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan and we continue to call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire”.
Also read: Russia walks the talk, keeps India out of March 18 Afghan talks
On Friday, August 6, the UN Security Council will meet under the Presidency of India to assess the situation in Afghanistan against the backdrop of escalating violence and attacks by the Taliban.
Taking to Twitter, TS Tirumurti, India’s ambassador to the UN announced the meeting, which will consist of a briefing and consultations on the latest developments in Afghanistan. India holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council for August.
“UN #SecurityCouncil will meet on Friday, 6th August, under India Presidency to discuss and take stock of the situation in #Afghanistan”, Tirumurti tweeted.
