‘India Was And Is An Important Stakeholder In Afghanistan’, ‘Nothing Can Change This’: NSA Doval

The National Security Advisors of Tajikistan, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan and China took part in the regional security dialogue on Afghanistan in Dushanbe.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval (File Photo)

New Delhi: Asserting “India was and is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan”, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday said “special relationship” with the people of the country over centuries will guide New Delhi’s approach and “nothing can change this”, ANI reported. The National Security Advisor put forth this assertion while taking part in the fourth Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in Tajikistan capital Dushanbe.

The National Security Advisors of Tajikistan, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan and China took part in the regional security dialogue on Afghanistan in Dushanbe.

This came following the third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi earlier in November 2021.

Carrying forward the spirit encapsulated in the Delhi Declaration, the National Security Advisors discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the region.

They highlighted the need to find constructive ways to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan and combat risks from terrorism emanating from the region.

National Security Advisor Doval, according to sources, took the opportunity to meet his counterparts from Iran, Tajikistan, Russia and other partners in the Dialogue on the sidelines of the meeting.

Doval told his counterparts that the people of Afghanistan have a special place.

He 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.

India has focused on infrastructure, connectivity and humanitarian assistance over the decades.

India has after August 2021 provided 17,000 MT of Wheat out of a total commitment of 50,000 MT, 5,00,000 doses of Covaxin, 13 tons of essential life-saving medicines and winter clothing as well as 60 million doses of polio vaccine.

Reiterating India’s position on the distribution of aid to all sections of society, Doval said: “Assistance should be accessible to all, respect for all obligations under international humanitarian law should be ensured.”

The National Security Advisor also emphasized on the rights of women at the meet.

“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,” said Doval.

“It will also have a positive social impact including discouraging radical ideologies among youth,” he added.