Summit Talks between India and Russia pitch for peaceful government in Afghanistan and humanitarian assistance to Afghan people
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met under summit talks wherein it was decided between both countries to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the general population of Afghanistan.
Both leaders also agreed on their support for a peaceful and stable atmosphere in Afghanistan, which could only be possible by the formation of a truly inclusive and democratic government in Kabul.
It was further decided by both the leaders of India and Russia that Afghanistan should not shelter, train or finance any terrorist groups, which included Al-Qaeda, the Lashkar-e-Taiba, and ISIS.
The agreement between the two leaders mentions Lashkar-e-Taiba, which shows a reflection of Russia’s understanding of India’s issues that due to the Taliban’s power capturing Kabul, it gives the Pakistan-based terror groups an upper hand based on the support of the Taliban.
The statement also added that a permanent mechanism would be created for the consultation of any security council issues between both Russia and India.
Since the concern over Afghanistan had opened a new road of interaction between both the countries, which shows conversions of common interests between both the countries, it was highly emphasized that Afghanistan territory would not be a safe haven for any terrorist group.
Both sides had put on a discussion the security situation in Afghanistan with its applied implications on the total region; they also discussed the current political status, drug trafficking, and issues related to terrorism.
High priorities included the formation of an inclusive and democratic government representing the people of Afghanistan, combatting drug traffic and terrorism in the entire region, preserving the human rights of children, women, and any minorities in the area.
The leaders also agreed with their support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan while mentioning that both countries would not interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan and maintain their respect for the unity and territorial integrity of the area.
Both India and Russia supported strengthening the FATF and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism in their combat against terrorism.
Both the nations also decided to strengthen the international drug control regime, which is based on United Nations conventions. They also decided not to use any terrorist proxy or any military support to terrorist groups to launch a counterattack.
Both the country leaders also condemned any cross border movement of terrorist groups, including that prescribed by the UN; it was decided that also perpetrators of terrorist attacks should be punished without any considerations of religion or politics.