New Delhi: Taking a note of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ report that intra-Afghan talks have not reduced but on the contrary increased violence in Afghanistan especially after May 1, 2021, India today told UN Security Council that for enduring peace there, terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries must be dismantled immediately and terrorist supply chains disrupted.
Addressing the UNSC, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said in an obvious reference to Pakistan that “There needs to be zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including its cross-border one. It is equally important to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten or attack any other country. Those providing material and financial support to terrorist entities must be held accountable. We, as international community, must ensure that our commitments to Afghanistan, including to its various institutions are maintained.”
Dr. Jaishankar added: “A durable peace in Afghanistan requires a genuine “double peace”. That is, peace within Afghanistan and peace around Afghanistan. It requires harmonizing the interests of all, both within and around that country.”
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Calling for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire to ensure immediate reduction in violence and protection of civilian lives in Afghanistan, the Minister reiterated India’s support for an inclusive, Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process. “Any political settlement in Afghanistan must ensure that the gains of the last two decades are protected, and not reversed. It should, therefore, preserve the constitutional democratic framework and ensure the protection of rights of women, children and minorities,” he said.
The country has been witnessing targeted attacks on religious and ethnic minorities, girl students, Afghan security forces, Ulemas, women occupying positions of responsibility, journalists, civil rights activists and youth, Jaishankar pointed out, and asserted that India will continue to provide all support to the Government and people of Afghanistan in realizing their aspirations for a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future, free of terror, so as to protect and promote the rights and interests of all sections of Afghan society.
Regarding the peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan Government in Doha, Jaishankar said India welcomes any move towards a genuine political settlement and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan. “We support a leading role for the United Nations, since that would help improve the odds for a lasting and durable outcome,” he said.
India reiterated that for Afghanistan’s economic development, it is important to have unhindered access to the high seas. The international community should work towards the removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan and ensure full transit rights guaranteed to Afghanistan under bilateral and multilateral transit agreements without any hindrance.
“India remains committed to steadfastly supporting Afghanistan during this transition. Stating that India continues to stand with Afghanistan in ensuring restoration of normalcy through a legitimate democratic process that is essential for the long-term stability of Afghanistan and the region, Jaishankar pointed out that the India-Afghanistan development partnership, including more than 550 Community Development Projects covering all 34 provinces, is aimed at making Afghanistan a self-sustaining nation. “To provide greater regional connectivity, India has operationalized air freight corridors and the Chabahar Port. India also extended humanitarian assistance of 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar Port to overcome food insecurity in view of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. Further, he pointed out, as a part of India’s endeavour to help Afghanistan tide over the COVID-19 pandemic, it has supplied Made-in-India vaccines to Afghanistan, both bilaterally and through the COVAX facility.
– global bihari bureau
