With security concerns related to Afghanistan dominating Delhi’s mind, steps are being taken to hold a conference on the country’s current situation and future outlook. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s team is taking the initiative to hold personal meetings with major countries of the region and the world.
NS Sunday Express has learned that the country’s top security establishment, the National Security Council Secretariat, is taking the lead in organizing the conference and sending feelers to Afghanistan’s neighbors such as Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and key players including Russia, China, the US and the United States. are. European partners such as the European Union, France, Germany and the UK. Representatives from the United Nations are also expected to be invited.
It is learned that Pakistan’s NSA Moeed Yusuf is also likely to be invited for the conference, and if it works out, it will be the first high-level visit to Pakistan since 2016.
New Delhi is looking for dates in November for the conference, and it could be India’s way of getting a seat at the table in deciding future course of action on Afghanistan.
“When you are not at the table, you are on the menu… This is India’s attempt to set the conference table, be at the table and set the agenda,” a source said. Indian Express, underscores the need to actively engage with the world to safeguard India’s security interests.
Until the fall of Kabul, India had not held talks with the Taliban through publicly announced official channels.
For Delhi, it is a significant drama as the government has made it clear that it has revisited the Taliban’s new regime in Afghanistan – that it should not allow terror safe havens on its soil, the administration inclusive. There should be and there should be rights of minorities, women and children should be protected.
But so far there have been no encouraging signs from the Taliban. This is an assessment shared by New Delhi with its interlocutors over the past month – ever since the Taliban formed its cabinet.
It is not yet clear whether Taliban representatives will be part of the conference in New Delhi.
it comes after days India accepts Russian invitation to join Afghanistan talks October 20 in Moscow.
The Taliban, which took power two months ago, have also been invited to the talks and will bring them face-to-face with India, which expelled its diplomatic staff from the country.
Confirming Indian participation, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said last Thursday: “We have received an invitation for the Moscow draft meeting on Afghanistan on October 20. We will participate in it.”
It is likely that the Ministry of External Affairs will send a Joint Secretary level officer for the meeting.
.