The Heads of the National Security Councils of seven nations, who were in Delhi for the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan hosted Wednesday by National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, collectively called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the completion of the Dialogue.
In their comments to the Prime Minister, the senior security officers, representing the nations of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, expressed their appreciation of India’s initiative in organising the Dialogue and of the quality of the exchanges. They also conveyed the perspectives of their respective countries on the Afghan situation.
Prime Minister appreciated the participation of the senior dignitaries in the Delhi Security Dialogue despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. He emphasised four aspects that countries in the region would need to focus on, in the context of Afghanistan: the need for an inclusive government; a zero-tolerance stance about Afghan territory being used by terrorist groups; a strategy to counter trafficking of drugs and arms from Afghanistan; and addressing the increasingly critical humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister also expressed the hope that the Regional Security Dialogue would work to revive Central Asia’s traditions of moderation and progressive culture, and counter extremist tendencies. The recent developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for the people of that country but also for its neighbours and the region, Doval said on Wednesday at the eight-nation dialogue hosted by India on the Afghan crisis.
Chairing the meet, Doval in his opening remarks said it is time to have close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination among the regional countries on the Afghan situation. Countries in the region should work together to restore democracy and peace in Afghanistan, while ensuring safety and security of their nations.