New Delhi: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met his Tajik and Uzbek counterparts in New Delhi on the eve of the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan to be held tomorrow. Their discussions centred on the looming humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
In his meeting with Tajik official, Doval expressed his concerns on the sharp increase in terrorist threats from Afghanistan in the recent past. Tajik side also highlighted the gravity of the situation in Afghanistan, according to sources. On the bilateral side, discussions took place on deepening cooperation in areas like defence, border management and border infrastructure development.
During the meeting with Uzbek counterpart Victor Makhmudov, both sides agreed that the future of Afghanistan must be decided by the people of Afghanistan themselves. They also shared the same view that the legitimacy of any Afghan government was important within Afghanistan before the issue of its international recognition, sources added.
Both sides emphasized the need for Afghanistan’s neighbours to ensure unhindered access to humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. They also agreed that neighbouring states must play a constructive role in Afghanistan. The top officials highlighted the need for long term economic development in Afghanistan.
Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan
The Dialogue chaired by Ajit Doval will be attended by National Security Advisers / Secretaries of Security Councils of participating nations. The first two editions of the Dialogue were hosted by the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2018 and 2019. The event will witness participation of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The high-level Dialogue will review the security situation in the region arising from recent developments in Afghanistan. It will deliberate upon measures to address the relevant security challenges and support the people of Afghanistan in promoting peace, security and stability.
Although Islamabad had rejected India's invitation, calling it a spoiler of peace, China has cited scheduling issues as a reason to not participate. India is still trying to keep itself relevant to the Talibanised Afghanistan by accepting the new reality there.
Now it remains to be seen whether the meeting tomorrow will do enough to salvage India's credentials as a pivotal player in Afghanistan.
