The regional security dialogue on Afghanistan in New Delhi is being attended by NSA Ajit Doval and his counterparts from five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), along with Russia and Iran.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday said that India is keenly watching developments in Afghanistan and called for close consultations, greater cooperation and interaction among the regional countries. Speaking at the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue, Doval said that he is confident that “deliberations will be productive, useful and will contribute to help people of Afghanistan and enhance or collective security”.
“It is a privilege for India to host this dialogue today. We have been keenly watching the developments in Afghanistan. These have important implications not only for the people of Afghanistan but also for its neighbours and the region,” Doval said.
The regional security dialogue on Afghanistan in New Delhi is being attended by Doval’s counterparts from five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), along with Russia and Iran. They will explore framing up a common approach for practical cooperation in confronting the threats of terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking after the Taliban took control of the landlocked nation.
Pakistan and China are not attending the dialogue on Afghanistan hosted by Delhi. This is the first-of-its-kind dialogue that focuses on security-related issues and is distinct from foreign ministry led talks. This is also the highest number of countries taking part in this format. Earlier, Iran had hosted dialogues in a similar format.
India has been involved in dialogue on Afghanistan at several levels regionally and multilaterally in recent months. With regard to central Asian countries, India has regular intense interactions with their security establishments.
Meanwhile, the visiting NSAs will jointly call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. NSA Doval will also host dinner for participants.
