Speaking at the Fourth Afghan Regional Security Dialogue in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval said that India was an important stakeholder in Afghanistan and “will continue to stand with the Afghan people “.

“The special relationship with the Afghan people for centuries will guide India’s approach. Nothing can change that,” Mr Doval said, stressing the urgent need to find constructive ways to ensure peace and stability in the Taliban-ruled Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The two-day Afghan security dialogue in Dushanbe began on Thursday. It is understood that Pakistan cannot participate as the new government led by Shehbaz Sharif has yet to appoint an NSA.

Mr Doval also took the opportunity to point out how India has focused on infrastructure, connectivity and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan over the past few decades. After the Taliban took power, India provided 17,000 MT of wheat out of the commitment of 50,000 MT, 5,00,000 doses of Covaxin, 13 tons of basic life-saving medicines and winter clothing, and 60 million doses of polio vaccine.

The meeting follows the third regional security dialogue on Afghanistan to be held in New Delhi in November 2021.
While discussing the Delhi Declaration, the NSA discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the region. They stressed the need to find constructive ways to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan and address terrorism risks in the region.

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Mr Doval called on representatives of all segments of Afghan society, including women and minorities, to participate in nation-building. NSA Doval took the opportunity to meet with counterparts from Iran, Tajikistan, Russia and other partners during the conference.