India will never abondon people of Afghanistan: NSA Ajit Doval

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Wednesday said that India will never abandon the people of Afghanistan in their time of need. While speaking at the 5^th Regional Dialogue on Afghanistan, Mr. Doval admitted that Afghanistan is passing through a difficult phase and the well-being of the people of Afghanistan is India’s foremost priority.

“India has a historical and special relationship with Afghanistan. Well-being of the Afghan people is our top-priority. This will continue to guide our approach,” Mr. Doval said.

According to reports, India has so far delivered 40,00 metric tonnes of wheat, 60 tons of medicine, 5,00,00 Covid-19 vaccines, winter clothing and 28 tons of disaster relief supplies.

Additionally, India has also granted fresh scholarships to 2,260 Afghan students, including 300 Afghan girls.

Notably, the multilateral meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils and National Security Advisors was held in Moscow, which was participated by the representatives of Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Issues like Afghanistan, security situation and humanitarian challenges were discussed in the meeting. He also reiterated that terrorism has become a major threat in the region and urged for intensified intelligence and security cooperation between respective countries in dealing with terror outfits like Daesh (ISIS), Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Mr. Doval pointed to India reaffirming the importance of the UN Security Council resolution that calls for denying sanctuary to terror outfits, including those designated by UNSCR 1267, in the region.

“No country should be allowed to use Afghan territory to export terrorism and radicalisation. Natural resources of Afghanistan should be utilised first for the welfare of people of Afghanistan. India will continue to be an important stakeholder in Afghanistan,” Mr. Doval added.

We always stood by the people of Afghanistan and will always support collective efforts to help Afghan people build a prosperous and vibrant nation once again,” Mr. Doval concluded.