Drug Menace, Terrorism & Trade: Deputy NSA Highlights India's Support to Afghanistan at Bishkek Meet

Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri on Friday highlighted that India has legitimate security interests in Afghanistan and is committed to establishing peace and stability with its policy.

“India has been consistent and steadfast with its policy in support of peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. As a contiguous neighbour, India has legitimate economic and security interests in Afghanistan. Ties with the Afghan people date back centuries and are historic and civilisation,” Misri said.

India also stated that its immediate priorities are providing humanitarian assistance, and combating terrorism and drug trafficking in the conflict-hit territory.

“On terrorism, our collective approach has been articulated in UNSCR 2593. Afghan territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts; specifically, terrorist individuals proscribed by the UN Security Council, including those belonging to the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad,” he added.

Misri further added that India also supports the formation of a truly inclusive and representative government as well as preserving the rights of women, children and minorities.

Notably, India is involved in 500 projects in Afghanistan spread across each of the 34 provinces in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building.

About India’s efforts in Afghanistan, Misri emphasised that India has so far invested more than USD 3 billion in the welfare of the people of Afghanistan.

“India has till now supplied nearly 50,000 tons of wheat, 250 tons of medical aid and 28 tons of earthquake relief aid. Given the urgent UN appeals. India also supplied 40,000 litres of Malathion,” Misri added in the dialogue.

About India’s trade partnership with Afghanistan, Misri said that the tariff concessions under SAFTA continue to be provided to Afghan traders as well as a ‘Humanitarian Air Corridor’ between Delhi and Kabul has been created.

The remarks were made at the 6th Regional Dialogue of Secretaries of Security Councils/National Security Advisers on Afghanistan, which was held in Bishkek on Friday.

The dialogue was attended by Secretaries/ NSAs of Iran, India, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, Turkmenistan and Pakistan.