Picture : Twitter / ANI
The security czars of India, Russia, Iran and five central Asian countries have flagged concerns over the possible spread of terrorist activities from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and called for a collective approach to deal with the challenge. In his opening remarks at the India-hosted Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said the recent developments in that country have important implications not only for Afghan people but also for the region.
Chairing the meet, Doval said it is time for closer consultations, greater cooperation and coordination among the regional countries to deal with the challenges emanating from Afghanistan. “We all have been keenly watching the developments in that country. These have important implications not only for the people of Afghanistan but also for its neighbours and the region,” he said.
“This is the time for close consultation, greater cooperation and interaction and coordination among the regional countries,” he said. The dialogue is aimed at firming up a common approach for practical cooperation in confronting increasing threats of terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.
Both Pakistan and China were also invited by India, but they decided not to attend the meet. The central Asian countries attending the dialogue are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
“I am confident that our deliberations will be productive, useful and will contribute to help the people of Afghanistan and enhance our collective security,” Doval said. Iran had hosted the dialogue under the same framework in 2018 and 2019.
