New Delhi: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday took part in the first India-Central Asia meeting of National Security Advisers/Secretaries of Security Councils in Delhi. During the meeting, Doval emphasised countering terror financing and terrorist networks in Afghanistan. He also said that all UN members should refrain from providing support to entities involved in terrorist acts.
“The persistence of terrorist networks in Afghanistan is a matter of concern. Financing is the lifeblood of terrorism and countering terror financing should be a priority for all of us. All UN members should refrain from providing support to entities involved in terrorist acts,” Ajit Doval said.
“Afghanistan is an important issue concerning us all. India's concerns and objectives with regard to immediate priorities and the way forward are similar to those of many of us around the table,” he added. Addressing the meeting, Doval also said that, peaceful, secure, and prosperous Central Asia is in our common interest.
“We meet at a time of great churn and international relations and uncertainty about the future. A peaceful, secure, and prosperous Central Asia is in our common interest,” Doval said.
Doval also said that connectivity with Central Asian countries is a key priority for India and India is ready to cooperate, invest and build connectivity in the region.
“Connectivity with Central Asian countries remains a key priority for India. We stand ready to cooperate, invest and build connectivity in the region. While expanding connectivity it is important to ensure that the initiatives are consultative, transparent, and participatory,” Doval said. This is the first time that NSAs of Central Asian countries will be in the national capital for a security meeting amid the evolving humanitarian and security situation in Afghanistan.
(With ANI Inputs)