Terrorism and connectivity will remain prime agenda for discussion at the Heart of Asia (HoA) conference in Amritsar on December 3-4. Afghanistan has circulated a draft regional counter terror framework to all the participating countries for discussion and approval at the HoA conference. In an obvious reference to Pakistan on Wednesday, Afghanistan ambassador to India Shaida M Abdali said that unless collective action is taken against those who breed terrorists and provide safe havens the entire region cannot be in peace.
Incidentally, the conference takes place barely days after the latest terror attack on the Nagrota military base. Ambassador Abdali strongly condemned the Nagrota attack saying terrorism is a greatest threat to the region, particularly to India and Afghanistan. With both these countries victims of terrorism there is going to be stronger push than ever to plug the sources that support the terror groups. India and Afghanistan are seeking international support to pressurise Pakistan in this regard. Afghanistan is particularly pushing for binding clauses in the framework to effectively contain terror infrastructure, safe havens, terror fundings. Hence, the issue will be raised prominently also by India both during the senior official, that will be attended by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, and ministerial level meetings where Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will lead the Indian delegation in the absence of ailing External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
"Terrorism is the biggest challenge which has beset the whole region. It is responsible for the situation in Afghanistan. It is a major threat to regional peace and stability. We have to discuss this question and we have to face it very squarely. I think the HoA Ministerial conference provides us with the opportunity required to face the challenge head on," said Gopal Baglay, Joint Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) in Ministry of External Affairs while announcing the details of the conference, where Afghan Ambassador Abdali too was present.
Abdali said terrorism is a multifaceted phenomena which requires a multifaceted approach including dismantling the ‘terror matrix’, tackling drug trafficking and effectively dealing with radicalisation. While thanking India for its efforts in rebuilding of Afghanistan, Abdali said there was a need to take collective measures to fight terrorism and uproot the breeding ground of the menace and its safe sanctuaries, in an obvious reference to Pakistan.
"Terrorism is a continuous threat especially to India and Afghanistan and many in the region. Unless we take collective measure to fight breeding grounds and safe sanctuaries of terrorism, we will not be able to bring peace to Afghanistan or anyone in the region, mainly India. Terror is a creation of this region, hence, the solution lies within this region," Abdali said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani will inaugurate the conference on December 4. The two leaders will also have a bilateral meeting on December 3. Interestingly, so far, no bilateral meeting has been scheduled between India and Pakistan at any level on the sidelines of the conference where Pak PM's advisor on Foreign Affairs, Sartaz Aziz, and its Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry will also be present.
The conference is a platform to assist Afghanistan in its transition. It will be attended by representatives from over 30 countries including United States of America, United Kingdom, European Union, China, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan and Iran. Austria, lativia, Bulgaria and Uzbekistan will be joining the conference as a guest.