India is actively monitoring Afghanistan’s situation and has engaged with the Taliban regime on bilateral relations, emphasizing historical ties and future development projects while continuing substantial humanitarian assistance since 2001.

India has expressed its ongoing commitment to monitoring the evolving situation in Afghanistan, particularly in relation to its bilateral relations with the Taliban regime. During a recent meeting at the United Nations Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized that the foundation of India’s engagement with Afghanistan lies in the historical people-to-people ties between the two nations.

In early January, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions with Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, which marked the highest-level contact between India and the Taliban since the latter’s takeover of Kabul in 2021. Ambassador Harish noted that both parties addressed various bilateral issues, and the Afghan delegation expressed gratitude for India’s support to the Afghan populace, acknowledging the potential for India to engage in development projects in the future alongside ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Ambassador Harish reaffirmed India’s vigilant monitoring of Afghanistan’s situation, contributing to regional stability and peace initiatives. He stated that India aims to provide humanitarian assistance and to foster international consensus under the UN’s auspices in addressing the challenges faced by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities.

India’s engagement includes participation in various international forums, such as the UN meetings in Doha and the Moscow Format, demonstrating its commitment to the peace and development of Afghanistan. Since 2001, India has executed over 500 development projects across Afghanistan and has facilitated significant humanitarian aid, including the delivery of 27 tons of relief supplies and substantial quantities of wheat and medical resources since August 2021.

Moreover, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, India has offered support to Afghan communities, particularly vulnerable groups like women. In terms of ongoing assistance since 2022, India has supplied numerous hygiene kits and essential items to aid the Afghan population.

Ambassador Harish articulated India’s readiness to meet Afghanistan’s needs while maintaining active communications with relevant stakeholders to support global efforts for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, highlighted the Taliban’s selective approach to international obligations, which pose challenges to Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community. She emphasized that the well-being of the Afghan people should remain a central focus in the political discourse moving forward, given the presence of terrorist groups that continue to challenge regional security.

India’s commitment to Afghanistan is multifaceted, focusing on historical ties and humanitarian support while engaging with the Taliban regime on various bilateral issues. Through active diplomatic dialogue and substantial aid initiatives, India aims to foster stability and development in the region, contributing to the international consensus for Afghanistan’s prosperity. The collaborative efforts with UN agencies further underline India’s proactive stance in addressing the humanitarian crisis, signifying a long-standing dedication to the Afghan people.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com

Related posts:

India’s Engagement with Afghanistan: A Focus on Bilateral Relations and Humanitarian Support India Enhances Diplomatic Relations With Taliban Amidst Pakistan’s Declining Influence India Enhances Diplomatic Relations with Taliban Amidst Pakistan’s Decline India’s Strategic Engagement in Afghanistan: A Shift in Geopolitical Dynamics