Even though India is not involved in the process relating to peace talks between Afghanistan and Taliban, Afghan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday said that New Delhi is “fully in picture” on all the developments in the country. “India is always in full picture and kept abreast about every single development aimed at bringing stability in Afghanistan,” Abdullah said.
“Stability in Afghanistan is in the interests of all countries. What India has been doing in support of Afghan Government and empowering Afghan people is in the interest of stabilisation,” Abdullah added.
The next round of quadrilateral talks involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States of America on resuming stalled peace process with Taliban will take place on Saturday in Islamabad. Identifying terrorism as the biggest challenge to stability and peace in the region, Abdullah said Pakistan has significant influence over the Taliban and can play a major role in bringing it on table for talks.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Abdullah during which they discussed security and terrorism-related issues. Abdullah backed Indian efforts in counter terrorism and said groups like terror groups like Haqqaani Networks and others have their base in Pakistan. He also said Pakistan should control people like Hafeez Saeed and other. “There are enough lesson for us that the terror groups regardless of who have created and supported them will turn against the state,” Dr Abdullah said in an obvious hint towards Pakistan while talking about Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan’s role in attacks in Pak.
Meanwhile, India will take up 92 more new development projects in Afghanistan. The Indian government has committed investments worth $16 million in the third phase of violence-torn nation to help it rebuild. Besides, India is also providing military hardware to Afghanistan. “We are happy with support from India including the military part. It was being based on our priority. There is no limitation and there is no sort of redline.” India had supplied three Mi-35 multi-role helicopters to Kabul in December.