Doha: India has joined the third UN-led conference on Afghanistan in Doha, marking a significant diplomatic engagement amidst Taliban participation. The conference, attended by representatives from 25 nations, aims to address humanitarian concerns and the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
India’s participation, represented by MEA Joint Secretary J P Singh, underscores its cautious approach towards engaging with the Taliban. While India collaborates on humanitarian aid and security issues, it refrains from endorsing Taliban legitimacy.
India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, is also in Doha and has met with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar. He shared reflections on the visit in a recent social media post
Criticism has arisen over the exclusion of Afghan women and civil society from the talks, despite calls for their involvement by international rights groups. The conference denies seeking international recognition for the Taliban, emphasizing humanitarian aid and combating terrorism as primary concerns.
Also Read | U.S. Pressures Boeing to Plead Guilty in Response to Fatal 737 MAX Crashes
At the SCO summit in Astana, India continues to advocate for regional stability, emphasizing its economic and security interests in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the summit virtually on July 4, highlighting India’s commitment to combating terrorism and safeguarding the rights of women and minorities. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the upcoming SCO summit, emphasizing India’s strategic priorities and regional engagements.
India remains committed to securing its investments in Afghanistan, valued at over $3 billion across diverse sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Ensuring Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorists remains a top priority, particularly concerning groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammed.
