India is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan and favours strengthening its capability to fight terrorism and terrorist groups posing a threat to peace and security in the region, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval said on Friday.
Underlining these points, he also said India has always stood by the people of Afghanistan while speaking at the 4th Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. His counterparts from Tajikistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan and China also took part in the high-profile conclave.
His assertions came in the backdrop of India providing humanitarian assistance to the war-torn Afghanistan after the Taliban took control last August. India has committed to provide more than 50,000 metric tons of food grains including wheat to Afghanistan.
India has already provided 17,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan through the land route via Pakistan, 5,00,000 doses of Covaxin, 13 tonnes of essential life saving medicines and winter clothing as well as 60 million doses of polio vaccine.
In his address, Doval said India was and is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan and called for enhancing the capability of the war-torn country to counter terrorism and terrorist groups which pose a threat to regional peace and security.
Tracing the ties between the two countries, he said India has historical and civilisational relations with Afghanistan and New Delhi has always stood by the people of Afghanistan and it will continue to guide India's approach. "The special relationship with the people of Afghanistan over centuries will guide India's approach. Nothing can change this," Doval said.
The top security officials, who discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the region, highlighted the need to find constructive ways to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan and combating risks from terrorism emanating from the region, sources said.
"There is a need for all present at the dialogue to enhance capability of Afghanistan to counter terrorism and terrorist groups which pose a threat to regional peace and security," Doval said.
He said the foremost priority should be the right to life and a dignified living as well as protection of human rights of all the people in Afghanistan. "Assistance should be accessible to all, respect for all obligations under international humanitarian law should be ensured,” he added. India has focused on infrastructure, connectivity and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan over the decades.
Doval also highlighted the need for representation of all sections of Afghan society including women and minorities so that the collective energies of the largest possible proportion of the Afghan population feel motivated to contribute to nation building.
"Women and youth are critical for the future of any society. Provision of education to girls and employment to women and youth will ensure productivity and spur growth. It will also have a positive social impact including discouraging radical ideologies among youth,” he said.
"With collective efforts of Regional Dialogue members, we can help proud people of Afghanistan to build a prosperous and vibrant nation once again,” he said.
Doval also met his counterparts from Iran, Tajikistan, Russia and other partners in the Dialogue on the sidelines of the meeting.
The dialogue is aimed at firming up a common approach for practical cooperation in confronting increasing threats of terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August last.
New Delhi had hosted the third dialogue in November 2021 which was attended by eight nations including Iran and Russia.