New Delhi (NVI): India today said that it is deeply concerned at the upsurge in violence in Afghanistan and called for an immediate ceasefire and need to assist people in the war-torn country in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
India’s concerns were conveyed by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval who met US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad today.
The US representative was accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council Lisa Curtis and the US Ambassador to India Ken Juster.
“Khalilzad provided an update on the US peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
The US side recognised India’s constructive contribution in economic development, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, it said. They laid importance to India’s crucial and continuing role in sustainable peace, security and stability in Afghanistan.
EAM Jaishankar and NSA Doval also reiterated India’s continued support for strengthening peace, security, unity, democratic and inclusive polity and protection of rights of all sections of the Afghan society, including Afghan Hindus and Sikhs, MEA said in a statement.
“India remains engaged in extending humanitarian food and medical supplies to Afghanistan to deal with the situation created by coronavirus,” MEA said.
During the meeting, the Indian side also emphasised that putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries is necessary for enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Khalilzad is on a visit to India as part of a three-nation tour that also includes Qatar and Pakistan. Afghanistan is witnessing violent clashes despite the signing of a peace deal between the Taliban and the US. The February 29 was agreement was set to pave a way for the withdrawal of US and NATO troops from the country and the beginning of intra-Afghan talks.
