The sixth Regional Dialogue of Secretaries of Security Councils/National Security Advisers on Afghanistan&nbsp;in Kyrgyz capital Bishkek witnessed a resolute commitment from India towards ensuring stability and prosperity in the region.

Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) Vikram Misri spearheaded India's delegation, highlighting New Delhi's unwavering support for Afghanistan's development amidst the prevailing challenges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-the-talibans-way-of-halting-opium-trade-is-another-issue-looming-614433">Explained: The Taliban's way of halting opium cultivation, trade. What lies ahead?</a>

Deputy NSA Misri articulated India's firm belief in development as a fundamental human right, underscoring New Delhi's substantial investments exceeding $3 billion across crucial sectors in Afghanistan involving 500 projects.

These investments span infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and capacity-building initiatives, reaching every corner of Afghanistan's 34 provinces.

Also watch |&nbsp;Afghanistan News | Taliban seeks help from Russia to stop drug trafficking | WION Latest News

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Notably, India's humanitarian aid efforts have been substantial, including contributions of wheat, medical supplies, earthquake relief, and pesticides to combat the locust menace. New Delhi has sent 50,000 tons of wheat, 250 tons of medical aid, and 28 tons of earthquake relief aid. 40,000 liters of Malathion pesticide was also sent to fight locust menace after a UN appeal.&nbsp;

India has also been actively involved in supporting Afghan education, granting scholarships to Afghan students and collaborating with educational institutions, which includes 5000 units of stationary items for primary school students.&nbsp;

Concerns over the rising threat of drug trafficking in the region prompted India to collaborate with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), particularly focusing on supporting female beneficiaries of drug rehabilitation programs in Afghanistan. India has sent 11,000 units of hygiene kits, baby food kits, blankets, medical aid to UNODC, Kabul.

Economic empowerment emerged as a crucial strategy, with India extending tariff concessions to Afghan traders and establishing a 'Humanitarian Air Corridor' between Delhi and Kabul to facilitate trade and aid delivery. Additionally, India proposed leveraging the Chabahar port for maritime trade, urging Central Asian neighbors to utilize its facilities and integrate it into regional trade frameworks.

Sports exchanges and interactions were emphasised as avenues for enhancing people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan.

On the issue of terrorism, Misri reiterated India's commitment to preventing Afghan territory from being used as a haven for terrorist activities, in line with UNSC Resolution 2593. The resolution states that 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.&nbsp;

India had hosted the Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in New Delhi in November 2021. Notably, NSAs from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan participated for the first time in The Delhi Dialogue.

The sixth Regional Dialogue of Secretaries of Security Councils/National Security Advisers on Afghanistan in Kyrgyz capital Bishkek witnessed a resolute commitment from India towards ensuring stability and prosperity in the region.

The sixth Regional Dialogue of Secretaries of Security Councils/National Security Advisers on Afghanistan in Kyrgyz capital Bishkek witnessed a resolute commitment from India towards ensuring stability and prosperity in the region. Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) Vikram Misri spearheaded India's delegation, highlighting New Delhi's unwavering support for Afghanistan's development amidst the prevailing challenges. Also read | Explained: The Taliban's way of halting opium cultivation, trade. What lies ahead? Deputy NSA Misri articulated India's firm belief in development as a fundamental human right, underscoring New Delhi's substantial investments exceeding $3 billion across crucial sectors in Afghanistan involving 500 projects. These investments span infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and capacity-building initiatives, reaching every corner of Afghanistan's 34 provinces. Also watch | Afghanistan News | Taliban seeks help from Russia to stop drug trafficking | WION Latest News × Notably, India's humanitarian aid efforts have been substantial, including contributions of wheat, medical supplies, earthquake relief, and pesticides to combat the locust menace. New Delhi has sent 50,000 tons of wheat, 250 tons of medical aid, and 28 tons of earthquake relief aid. 40,000 liters of Malathion pesticide was also sent to fight locust menace after a UN appeal. India has also been actively involved in supporting Afghan education, granting scholarships to Afghan students and collaborating with educational institutions, which includes 5000 units of stationary items for primary school students. Concerns over the rising threat of drug trafficking in the region prompted India to collaborate with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), particularly focusing on supporting female beneficiaries of drug rehabilitation programs in Afghanistan. India has sent 11,000 units of hygiene kits, baby food kits, blankets, medical aid to UNODC, Kabul. Economic empowerment emerged as a crucial strategy, with India extending tariff concessions to Afghan traders and establishing a 'Humanitarian Air Corridor' between Delhi and Kabul to facilitate trade and aid delivery. Additionally, India proposed leveraging the Chabahar port for maritime trade, urging Central Asian neighbors to utilize its facilities and integrate it into regional trade frameworks. Sports exchanges and interactions were emphasised as avenues for enhancing people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan. On the issue of terrorism, Misri reiterated India's commitment to preventing Afghan territory from being used as a haven for terrorist activities, in line with UNSC Resolution 2593. The resolution states that 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. India had hosted the Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in New Delhi in November 2021. Notably, NSAs from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan participated for the first time in The Delhi Dialogue.

Deputy NSA Misri asserts Indian commitment to Afghan people at regional dialogue

The air corridor between India and Afghanistan has been reopened and the trade between the countries would resume, officials in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Kabul said, according to Bakhtar News Agency.

The trade between Kabul and New Delhi was halted after the Taliban took over Afghanistan last year.

Afghanistan’s commerce ministry spokesperson Abdul Salam Jaweed said India and Afghanistan signed a trade agreement on Monday.

India has been a major importer of Afghani saffron, dry fruits, and asafoetida plant. The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) hoped that trade of these goods would be conducted through the air corridor.

The resumption of the air corridor was welcomed by Afghan traders who are hopeful that India would be a good market for its products.

“We need to export some of the commodities via the air corridor. However, we currently export pine nuts to India and UAE through an air corridor,” The Tolo news quoted Mohammad Younus Momand, head of the ACCI, as saying.

Watch |&nbsp;UN condemns a year-long Taliban ban on Afghan girls' education

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Another trader Mahbobullah Mohammadi opined, “Over the past several years, it has been proven that India has been the major market for Afghan products, particularly dry fruits.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-hate-pakistaniswill-make-islamabad-second-capital-taliban-official-warns-in-video-524007">‘Afghans hate Pakistanis…will make Islamabad second capital’: Taliban official warns in video</a>

Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi told Bakhtar News Agency that Afghanistan is looking to sell wheat to India.

The export of Afghan goods to India has increased exponentially this year, compared to the preceding year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-offers-the-taliban-a-warm-welcome-while-urging-peace-talks-401278">China offers the Taliban a warm welcome while urging peace talks</a>

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, 30,000 tonnes of handicrafts have been exported from Afghanistan to India in 2022.

Though India has not officially recognised the Taliban to be the legitimate ruler of Afghanistan, it has been helping the crisis-hit country by sending aid like vaccines, food and medicines.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The air corridor between India and Afghanistan has been reopened and the trade between the countries would resume, officials in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Kabul said, according to Bakhtar News Agency.

The air corridor between India and Afghanistan has been reopened and the trade between the countries would resume, officials in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Kabul said, according to Bakhtar News Agency. The trade between Kabul and New Delhi was halted after the Taliban took over Afghanistan last year. Afghanistan’s commerce ministry spokesperson Abdul Salam Jaweed said India and Afghanistan signed a trade agreement on Monday. India has been a major importer of Afghani saffron, dry fruits, and asafoetida plant. The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) hoped that trade of these goods would be conducted through the air corridor. The resumption of the air corridor was welcomed by Afghan traders who are hopeful that India would be a good market for its products. “We need to export some of the commodities via the air corridor. However, we currently export pine nuts to India and UAE through an air corridor,” The Tolo news quoted Mohammad Younus Momand, head of the ACCI, as saying. Watch | UN condemns a year-long Taliban ban on Afghan girls' education Another trader Mahbobullah Mohammadi opined, “Over the past several years, it has been proven that India has been the major market for Afghan products, particularly dry fruits.” Also read | ‘Afghans hate Pakistanis…will make Islamabad second capital’: Taliban official warns in video Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi told Bakhtar News Agency that Afghanistan is looking to sell wheat to India. The export of Afghan goods to India has increased exponentially this year, compared to the preceding year. Also read | China offers the Taliban a warm welcome while urging peace talks According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, 30,000 tonnes of handicrafts have been exported from Afghanistan to India in 2022. Though India has not officially recognised the Taliban to be the legitimate ruler of Afghanistan, it has been helping the crisis-hit country by sending aid like vaccines, food and medicines. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India, Afghanistan ink deal to reopen air corridor: Reports

In a first since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, an Indian government team is currently in Kabul to oversee humanitarian assistance. They are also expected to meet senior members of the Taliban leadership.

The Indian team is led by the Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan Iran (PAI) division of the Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh. Last year, on the sidelines of the Moscow format of talks on Afghanistan in Delhi, JP Singh had meet Taliban leadership.

The development comes even as New Delhi has been sending assistance to the Afghan people despite not recognising the Taliban regime.

India doesn't recognise the Taliban regime but that hasn't stopped it from reaching out to Afghan people with wheat, vaccines—polio and Covid—and winter clothing. In the aftermath of the Taliban takeover in August last year, India had shut its mission in the country.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "During the visit, the team will meet representatives of the international organisations involved in the distribution of the humanitarian assistance.”

India has sent several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 20,000 MTs of wheat, 13 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of Covid vaccine and winter clothing to Afghanistan. These consignments were handed over to the India Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul, and UN specialized agencies including WHO and WFP.

India had also gifted one million doses of India-made COVAXIN to Iran to administer to Afghan refugees in Iran.

Important to note that during their stay, the Indian team is “expected to visit various places where Indian programmes/projects are being implemented", the MEA release said.

India has built the Afghan Parliament and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in western Herat Province. Along with this, New Delhi has also taken up 116 high impact community development projects in 31 provinces of the country.

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In a first since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, an Indian government team is currently in Kabul to oversee humanitarian assistance. They are also expected to meet senior members of the Taliban leadership.

In a first since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, an Indian government team is currently in Kabul to oversee humanitarian assistance. They are also expected to meet senior members of the Taliban leadership. The Indian team is led by the Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan Iran (PAI) division of the Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh. Last year, on the sidelines of the Moscow format of talks on Afghanistan in Delhi, JP Singh had meet Taliban leadership. The development comes even as New Delhi has been sending assistance to the Afghan people despite not recognising the Taliban regime. India doesn't recognise the Taliban regime but that hasn't stopped it from reaching out to Afghan people with wheat, vaccines—polio and Covid—and winter clothing. In the aftermath of the Taliban takeover in August last year, India had shut its mission in the country. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "During the visit, the team will meet representatives of the international organisations involved in the distribution of the humanitarian assistance.” India has sent several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 20,000 MTs of wheat, 13 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of Covid vaccine and winter clothing to Afghanistan. These consignments were handed over to the India Gandhi Children Hospital, Kabul, and UN specialized agencies including WHO and WFP. India had also gifted one million doses of India-made COVAXIN to Iran to administer to Afghan refugees in Iran. Important to note that during their stay, the Indian team is “expected to visit various places where Indian programmes/projects are being implemented", the MEA release said. India has built the Afghan Parliament and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in western Herat Province. Along with this, New Delhi has also taken up 116 high impact community development projects in 31 provinces of the country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

First time since Taliban takeover, Indian team lands in Kabul to oversee humanitarian assistance

In a move that is likely to rile up India, the Taliban announced the formation of a new military unit called the “Panipat operational unit”.

Panipat is a historic city located in India’s northern Haryana state.

The name of the new military unit draws inspiration from a historical battle that was fought in Panipat city in 1761— referred to as the Third Battle of Panipat—where the Maratha forces were defeated by the then ruler of Afghanistan, Ahmed Shah Abdali.

Abdali had won the battle, and it is estimated that 60,000–70,000 people were killed in the fighting, while many were taken prisoners.

Kabul-based media website Aamaj News on Friday reported that the new unit will be deployed to the country’s Nangarhar province bordering Pakistan.

The news outlet also shared photographs of masked Taliban fighters in military uniform holding US-made rifles and taking out a parade in Nangarhar's capital Jalalabad.

Historical events like the Panipat are often discussed in religious sermons in rural Afghanistan to gain the people’s sympathies for Muslims in places where they consider them to be in trouble.

Notably, when a Bollywood film inspired by the 18th-century&nbsp;battle, called ‘Panipat’, was released in 2019, a letter from the Afghanistan embassy was sent to New Delhi expressing concerns over how a distorted depiction of the Afghan ruler might hurt the sentiments of people in Afghanistan.

Panipat film had also drawn the ire of the Jat community in Rajasthan, causing theatres in Jaipur to stop screening the film.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a move that is likely to rile up India, the Taliban announced the formation of a new military unit called the “Panipat operational unit”. Panipat is a historic city located in India’s northern Haryana state.

In a move that is likely to rile up India, the Taliban announced the formation of a new military unit called the “Panipat operational unit”. Panipat is a historic city located in India’s northern Haryana state. The name of the new military unit draws inspiration from a historical battle that was fought in Panipat city in 1761— referred to as the Third Battle of Panipat—where the Maratha forces were defeated by the then ruler of Afghanistan, Ahmed Shah Abdali. Abdali had won the battle, and it is estimated that 60,000–70,000 people were killed in the fighting, while many were taken prisoners. Kabul-based media website Aamaj News on Friday reported that the new unit will be deployed to the country’s Nangarhar province bordering Pakistan. The news outlet also shared photographs of masked Taliban fighters in military uniform holding US-made rifles and taking out a parade in Nangarhar's capital Jalalabad. Historical events like the Panipat are often discussed in religious sermons in rural Afghanistan to gain the people’s sympathies for Muslims in places where they consider them to be in trouble. Notably, when a Bollywood film inspired by the 18th-century battle, called ‘Panipat’, was released in 2019, a letter from the Afghanistan embassy was sent to New Delhi expressing concerns over how a distorted depiction of the Afghan ruler might hurt the sentiments of people in Afghanistan. Panipat film had also drawn the ire of the Jat community in Rajasthan, causing theatres in Jaipur to stop screening the film. (With inputs from agencies)

Invoking former Afghan ruler who attacked India in 18th century, Taliban raise ‘Panipat’ military unit

“Positively noting” the joint statement — the Delhi Declaration —issued by eight countries on Afghanistan, the Taliban on Thursday expressed displeasure over the participant&nbsp;countries of the NSA meet&nbsp;calling Afghanistan “a safe haven for terrorism.”

Speaking exclusively to WION days after India hosted the NSA security dialogue meeting to discuss the Afghanistan situation, deputy spokesperson of Taliban, Imanallah Samangani said the concerns raised by the participant&nbsp;countries were “unfounded.”

Seven countries had participated in the summit hosted by India. They are: Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan

He also completely rejected the reports that Pakistan is buying US-made weapons from the Taliban that were left behind in Afghanistan in the aftermath of troops withdrawal.

The Taliban spokesperson also expressed hope that the ‘Troika Plus’ meeting that is taking place in Islamabad currently will bring forth a “positive result” for the Taliban government.

WION: A meeting is currently ongoing in Islamabad called the ‘Troika Plus’. The Taliban government delegation is also expected to meet the Troika Plus members. What will be the demands of the Taliban government? What are Taliban expecting from this meeting?&nbsp;

Samangani: We are looking positively at the meeting. And we hope and expect that our neighbours take steps in a calculated and positive manner for Afghanistan. I hope they respect the current situation and conditions of Afghanistan with regard to governance. Afghanistan is an independent country. We expect that our neighbours assist us given the current conditions in Afghanistan and help us uplift the current conditions of the people.

&nbsp;WION: Yesterday, India hosted a meeting of the National Security Advisors of those regions&nbsp;neighbouring Afghanistan. Do you concur with the Delhi Declaration issued by the participant countries?

Samangani: The regional summit that took place in Delhi, we have noted it positively. Yesterday, we saw the Delhi Declaration and I would want to say that there are some legitimate demands mentioned in the declaration, but those demands have largely already been met. The declaration also raises some concerns about Afghanistan posing a security threat to its neighbours in the region. I think these concerns are unfounded. By the grace of God, there is a centralised government in Afghanistan now. We have guaranteed security to the Afghanistani people. Most importantly, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan understands its national responsibilities and international responsibilities very well, and it knows what responsibility it has and owes towards its neighbouring countries. There might be some genuine concerns raised, but it can always be resolved through dialogue, which opens room for understanding.&nbsp;

WION: Recently, there was a report in a Pakistani daily newspaper that the Taliban are in talks with Pakistan to sell US-made weapons. It estimates that US troops left behind or abandoned at 200,000 weapons. What is your take on this report?

Samangani:&nbsp;We completely reject these reports. The Islamic Emirate has its own security organ in the country, and we now have a free Afghanistan and a free government. And this free government needs to ensure Afghanistan’s security in the future. Therefore, we need military equipment and facilities. And it is by no means possible to sell Afghanistan’s existing equipment and facilities.&nbsp;

WION: There are reports that the Taliban are at the forefront between the Pakistani government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban. What is the status and would you want to tell the contours of this deal to the global community?

Samangani:&nbsp;Islamic Emirate is of the opinion that security should be provided and guaranteed in the entire region. Because the bigger problem we have in the region is the issue of security. Our region would be facing a major economic crisis until the issues regarding security are not resolved. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to solve the problems linked to political and security as soon as possible. We have the opportunity to take more serious steps for the economic prosperity of the region. So, if progress has been made in Pakistan in this direction, we welcome it and hope that other problems, too, will be solved.&nbsp;

WION: India was a major development partner of Afghanistan before Taliban took control of Afghanistan. What are Taliban going to do to reinstate that, and will you be welcoming India in Afghanistan?&nbsp;

Samangani: We understand that India is the second-largest population in the world and the fifth-largest economy in the world. It plays an important role in world politics and has been active in Afghanistan in the past. Regardless of the mistakes of the Indian government’s policies and strategies they made in the past, we don’t want to look back and instead want to look forward. Therefore, we hope that the (Indian government’s) policies and strategies will be reconsidered with the current situation in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate also believes that there should be an inter-regional understanding in the whole region. The problems that we face in Afghanistan, India can play a major role in this case. We hope that India understands the current realities of modern-day Afghanistan and engages with us. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wants to have good economic, diplomatic, transit and trade relations with all neighbouring countries and there are no restrictions placed in this regard.&nbsp;

WION: The US Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West recently stated that the US has no plans to open its embassy here in Kabul. What will the Taliban be doing to convince them in these Troika talks to come back to Afghanistan and establish diplomatic relations?

Samangani: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan attaches great importance to the political dialogue, and everyone knows that only through dialogue is how the emirate will be able to get rid of the problems plaguing Afghanistan. Let me be clear that the United States and other countries should respect and understand the realities of Afghanistan, which is in everyone’s interest, so that we can enter the phase of formal interaction as soon as possible. If the American side is ready and if it has any concerns, it can solve all the problems and issues with the Islamic Emirate only through political dialogue.

“Positively noting” the joint statement — the Delhi Declaration —issued by eight countries on Afghanistan, the Taliban on Thursday expressed displeasure over the participant countries of the NSA meet calling Afghanistan “a safe haven for terrorism.

“Positively noting” the joint statement — the Delhi Declaration —issued by eight countries on Afghanistan, the Taliban on Thursday expressed displeasure over the participant countries of the NSA meet calling Afghanistan “a safe haven for terrorism.” Speaking exclusively to WION days after India hosted the NSA security dialogue meeting to discuss the Afghanistan situation, deputy spokesperson of Taliban, Imanallah Samangani said the concerns raised by the participant countries were “unfounded.” Seven countries had participated in the summit hosted by India. They are: Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan He also completely rejected the reports that Pakistan is buying US-made weapons from the Taliban that were left behind in Afghanistan in the aftermath of troops withdrawal. The Taliban spokesperson also expressed hope that the ‘Troika Plus’ meeting that is taking place in Islamabad currently will bring forth a “positive result” for the Taliban government. WION: A meeting is currently ongoing in Islamabad called the ‘Troika Plus’. The Taliban government delegation is also expected to meet the Troika Plus members. What will be the demands of the Taliban government? What are Taliban expecting from this meeting? Samangani: We are looking positively at the meeting. And we hope and expect that our neighbours take steps in a calculated and positive manner for Afghanistan. I hope they respect the current situation and conditions of Afghanistan with regard to governance. Afghanistan is an independent country. We expect that our neighbours assist us given the current conditions in Afghanistan and help us uplift the current conditions of the people. WION: Yesterday, India hosted a meeting of the National Security Advisors of those regions neighbouring Afghanistan. Do you concur with the Delhi Declaration issued by the participant countries? Samangani: The regional summit that took place in Delhi, we have noted it positively. Yesterday, we saw the Delhi Declaration and I would want to say that there are some legitimate demands mentioned in the declaration, but those demands have largely already been met. The declaration also raises some concerns about Afghanistan posing a security threat to its neighbours in the region. I think these concerns are unfounded. By the grace of God, there is a centralised government in Afghanistan now. We have guaranteed security to the Afghanistani people. Most importantly, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan understands its national responsibilities and international responsibilities very well, and it knows what responsibility it has and owes towards its neighbouring countries. There might be some genuine concerns raised, but it can always be resolved through dialogue, which opens room for understanding. WION: Recently, there was a report in a Pakistani daily newspaper that the Taliban are in talks with Pakistan to sell US-made weapons. It estimates that US troops left behind or abandoned at 200,000 weapons. What is your take on this report? Samangani: We completely reject these reports. The Islamic Emirate has its own security organ in the country, and we now have a free Afghanistan and a free government. And this free government needs to ensure Afghanistan’s security in the future. Therefore, we need military equipment and facilities. And it is by no means possible to sell Afghanistan’s existing equipment and facilities. WION: There are reports that the Taliban are at the forefront between the Pakistani government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban. What is the status and would you want to tell the contours of this deal to the global community? Samangani: Islamic Emirate is of the opinion that security should be provided and guaranteed in the entire region. Because the bigger problem we have in the region is the issue of security. Our region would be facing a major economic crisis until the issues regarding security are not resolved. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to solve the problems linked to political and security as soon as possible. We have the opportunity to take more serious steps for the economic prosperity of the region. So, if progress has been made in Pakistan in this direction, we welcome it and hope that other problems, too, will be solved. WION: India was a major development partner of Afghanistan before Taliban took control of Afghanistan. What are Taliban going to do to reinstate that, and will you be welcoming India in Afghanistan? Samangani: We understand that India is the second-largest population in the world and the fifth-largest economy in the world. It plays an important role in world politics and has been active in Afghanistan in the past. Regardless of the mistakes of the Indian government’s policies and strategies they made in the past, we don’t want to look back and instead want to look forward. Therefore, we hope that the (Indian government’s) policies and strategies will be reconsidered with the current situation in Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate also believes that there should be an inter-regional understanding in the whole region. The problems that we face in Afghanistan, India can play a major role in this case. We hope that India understands the current realities of modern-day Afghanistan and engages with us. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wants to have good economic, diplomatic, transit and trade relations with all neighbouring countries and there are no restrictions placed in this regard. WION: The US Special Representative on Afghanistan Thomas West recently stated that the US has no plans to open its embassy here in Kabul. What will the Taliban be doing to convince them in these Troika talks to come back to Afghanistan and establish diplomatic relations? Samangani: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan attaches great importance to the political dialogue, and everyone knows that only through dialogue is how the emirate will be able to get rid of the problems plaguing Afghanistan. Let me be clear that the United States and other countries should respect and understand the realities of Afghanistan, which is in everyone’s interest, so that we can enter the phase of formal interaction as soon as possible. If the American side is ready and if it has any concerns, it can solve all the problems and issues with the Islamic Emirate only through political dialogue.

Exclusive: Taliban express displeasure over Afghanistan ‘safe heaven for terror’ remark  in Delhi Declaration

India has proposed to host an in-person meet of the National Security Advisors (NSA) on Afghanistan in Delhi in November. Many countries in the region and key stakeholders like Russia and Pakistan have been invited.

The meet was to take place earlier this year, but it could not materialise.&nbsp;

Pakistani sources confirmed that Pakistan's National security advisor Moeed Yusuf received the invitation last week.

If his attendance is confirmed, then this will be Pakistan&nbsp;NSA Yusuf's first official visit to Delhi. Both Indian NSA Doval and Pakistani NSA Yusuf were in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, earlier this year for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) NSA meet, but no bilateral meeting took place.

Two dates have been proposed for the in-person meet—10th and 11th November—for the meeting in Delhi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/avoid-public-executions-unless-ordered-by-top-court-taliban-regime-tells-local-officials-in-afghanistan-421149">Avoid public executions unless ordered by top court, Taliban regime tells local officials in Afghanistan</a>

The proposal to host the meeting comes even as the situation in Afghanistan remains precarious and with the onset of winters, worries have mounted over the deterioration of the humanitarian situation.&nbsp;

Last week marked two months since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban militants. The Taliban leadership have visited Qatar, Turkey and Uzbekistan hoping to get recognition and legitimacy for the newly formed government, but so far, no such indication has been given by the global community.

In the following week, Russia will be hosting Moscow format of talks involving Taliban, Pakistan, China and India.

In response to a WION question on Thursday, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi confirmed India’s presence at the Moscow talks.

“We have received an invitation for the Moscow format meeting on Afghanistan on October 20. We will be participating in it. I don’t have final confirmation of who will be attending, but it’s likely that we will be attended at the Joint Secretary level.”&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plans-underway-to-form-afghan-government-in-exile-421031">Plans underway to form Afghan government in-exile</a>

This will be the second time that India will be publicly seen sitting with the Taliban. On August 31, Indian envoy to Qatar, Deepak Mittal, and Taliban's Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai had met at the Indian embassy in Doha.

The Indian ministry of external affairs confirming the meet said that it&nbsp;happened “on the request of the Taliban side”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offers-condolence-payments-relocation-to-kin-of-afghans-killed-in-botched-drone-attack-421207">US offers condolence payments, relocation to kin of Afghans killed in botched drone attack</a>

During the meet, India discussed issues like the safe return of Indian nationals from Afghanistan, concerns over use of Afghan soil for anti-India activities.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also raised the Afghanistan situation at the special SCO meet and during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September and also at the G20 virtual meet hosted by Italy this month.

At the SCO CSTO outreach summit, PM highlighted that “transition of power in Afghanistan is not inclusive, and it has happened without negotiation”, essentially listing out New Delhi's red lines.

At the G20 virtual meet on Afghanistan, he emphasized the need for the international community to ensure that Afghanistan has “immediate and unhindered access” to humanitarian assistance.

India has proposed to host an in-person meet of the National Security Advisors (NSA) on Afghanistan in Delhi in November. Many countries in the region and key stakeholders like Russia and Pakistan have been invited.

India has proposed to host an in-person meet of the National Security Advisors (NSA) on Afghanistan in Delhi in November. Many countries in the region and key stakeholders like Russia and Pakistan have been invited. The meet was to take place earlier this year, but it could not materialise. Pakistani sources confirmed that Pakistan's National security advisor Moeed Yusuf received the invitation last week. If his attendance is confirmed, then this will be Pakistan NSA Yusuf's first official visit to Delhi. Both Indian NSA Doval and Pakistani NSA Yusuf were in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, earlier this year for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) NSA meet, but no bilateral meeting took place. Two dates have been proposed for the in-person meet—10th and 11th November—for the meeting in Delhi. Also read | Avoid public executions unless ordered by top court, Taliban regime tells local officials in Afghanistan The proposal to host the meeting comes even as the situation in Afghanistan remains precarious and with the onset of winters, worries have mounted over the deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Last week marked two months since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban militants. The Taliban leadership have visited Qatar, Turkey and Uzbekistan hoping to get recognition and legitimacy for the newly formed government, but so far, no such indication has been given by the global community. In the following week, Russia will be hosting Moscow format of talks involving Taliban, Pakistan, China and India. In response to a WION question on Thursday, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi confirmed India’s presence at the Moscow talks. “We have received an invitation for the Moscow format meeting on Afghanistan on October 20. We will be participating in it. I don’t have final confirmation of who will be attending, but it’s likely that we will be attended at the Joint Secretary level.” Also read | Plans underway to form Afghan government in-exile This will be the second time that India will be publicly seen sitting with the Taliban. On August 31, Indian envoy to Qatar, Deepak Mittal, and Taliban's Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai had met at the Indian embassy in Doha. The Indian ministry of external affairs confirming the meet said that it happened “on the request of the Taliban side”. Also read | US offers condolence payments, relocation to kin of Afghans killed in botched drone attack During the meet, India discussed issues like the safe return of Indian nationals from Afghanistan, concerns over use of Afghan soil for anti-India activities. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also raised the Afghanistan situation at the special SCO meet and during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September and also at the G20 virtual meet hosted by Italy this month. At the SCO CSTO outreach summit, PM highlighted that “transition of power in Afghanistan is not inclusive, and it has happened without negotiation”, essentially listing out New Delhi's red lines. At the G20 virtual meet on Afghanistan, he emphasized the need for the international community to ensure that Afghanistan has “immediate and unhindered access” to humanitarian assistance.

India to host in-person NSA meet on Afghanistan, Pakistan's Moeed Yusuf invited

India's border forces and armed police units deployed in the counter-terrorism grid have been directed by the central security establishment to prepare and administer a new training module on the Taliban and its modus operandi to the troops in view of the "emerging" scenario following the Islamic militia taking over Afghanistan.

Stating that the fall of Kabul to the Taliban last month may have a "serious bearing" on the security situation in India, the ground forces and their intelligence setup have been asked to update both their strategy, tactics and combat syllabus on the new "geo-political situation in central and south Asia and its grave security implication on India's borders and the hinterland."

The directive issued by the security establishment a few days back also envisages a scenario where infiltration from across the border from Pakistan on India's west and illegal entry of terrorist operatives from open fronts in the east may increase including that by foreign terrorist fighters.

Officials in the central security forces and intelligence wings acknowledged the new developments that have taken place in the neighbourhood after the Taliban swiftly took over almost all provinces of Afghanistan last month following the US military retreating from their 20-year war in that country launched after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 in their country.

A senior officer told PTI that the existing training module of border guarding forces like the BSF and SSB, state police units and those involved in counter-terrorist duties like the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police have an existing title "changing dynamics of border management".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-starts-in-afghanistan-does-not-stay-in-afghanistan-china-india-and-iran-grapple-with-the-fallout-405693">What starts in Afghanistan does not stay in Afghanistan: China, India, and Iran grapple with the fallout</a>

"This included information on the Taliban as well but it was not updated. That is being added through open-source authentic information and others available in a classified manner to us and the focus is the developments of the last twenty years that took place in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks," the officer said.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-burqa-clad-women-march-with-taliban-flag-412521/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A full-fledged training, intelligence and combat module on Taliban, its leadership and their modus operandi is being prepared apart from specific case studies that have taken place in that country and the region, he said.

The directives have been forwarded to the central and state police forces which have multiple levels of training centres and academies to train their personnel and officers during induction and while in service.

"It is very important for the last man standing at the border, a checkpost or under a police jurisdiction to know about the Taliban's history and linked activities and strategies.

"Senior and top commanders of the security forces may know most of the things about Afghanistan and Taliban situation but they draw their operational strength from the troops or the constable standing on the ground. They need to be informed well," another senior officer working in the training management division of a paramilitary force said.

At least one such session has been conducted in two central forces post the issuance of the new directives while a webinar for all these forces is being planned in a combined manner to be held later this month, a Union home ministry official said.

A third officer said the latest directions make it clear that such sessions should also be held for the troops and commanding officers on the ground during "daily operational briefing sessions" in their area of deployment and case studies on the Taliban are being prepared in "local and vernacular languages" for the troops.

The security forces are also enhancing their training quota of personnel for understanding IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIEDs).

"IEDs remain a constant threat to the security personnel and their operations everywhere be it anti-Naxal operations or counter-terrorist duties.

"However, for those deployed in the Kashmir valley knowing IEDs and VBIEDs, their detection and crippling is very important post the Afghanistan development," one of the officers cited above said and referred to the fatal and non-fatal casualties suffered by the NATO forces from IEDs in Afghanistan.

India's border forces and armed police units deployed in the counter-terrorism grid have been directed by the central security establishment to prepare and administer a new training module on the Taliban and its modus operandi to the troops in view of the "emerging" scenario following the Islamic militia taking over Afghanistan.

India's border forces and armed police units deployed in the counter-terrorism grid have been directed by the central security establishment to prepare and administer a new training module on the Taliban and its modus operandi to the troops in view of the "emerging" scenario following the Islamic militia taking over Afghanistan. Stating that the fall of Kabul to the Taliban last month may have a "serious bearing" on the security situation in India, the ground forces and their intelligence setup have been asked to update both their strategy, tactics and combat syllabus on the new "geo-political situation in central and south Asia and its grave security implication on India's borders and the hinterland." The directive issued by the security establishment a few days back also envisages a scenario where infiltration from across the border from Pakistan on India's west and illegal entry of terrorist operatives from open fronts in the east may increase including that by foreign terrorist fighters. Officials in the central security forces and intelligence wings acknowledged the new developments that have taken place in the neighbourhood after the Taliban swiftly took over almost all provinces of Afghanistan last month following the US military retreating from their 20-year war in that country launched after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 in their country. A senior officer told PTI that the existing training module of border guarding forces like the BSF and SSB, state police units and those involved in counter-terrorist duties like the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police have an existing title "changing dynamics of border management". Also read | What starts in Afghanistan does not stay in Afghanistan: China, India, and Iran grapple with the fallout "This included information on the Taliban as well but it was not updated. That is being added through open-source authentic information and others available in a classified manner to us and the focus is the developments of the last twenty years that took place in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks," the officer said. Watch A full-fledged training, intelligence and combat module on Taliban, its leadership and their modus operandi is being prepared apart from specific case studies that have taken place in that country and the region, he said. The directives have been forwarded to the central and state police forces which have multiple levels of training centres and academies to train their personnel and officers during induction and while in service. "It is very important for the last man standing at the border, a checkpost or under a police jurisdiction to know about the Taliban's history and linked activities and strategies. "Senior and top commanders of the security forces may know most of the things about Afghanistan and Taliban situation but they draw their operational strength from the troops or the constable standing on the ground. They need to be informed well," another senior officer working in the training management division of a paramilitary force said. At least one such session has been conducted in two central forces post the issuance of the new directives while a webinar for all these forces is being planned in a combined manner to be held later this month, a Union home ministry official said. A third officer said the latest directions make it clear that such sessions should also be held for the troops and commanding officers on the ground during "daily operational briefing sessions" in their area of deployment and case studies on the Taliban are being prepared in "local and vernacular languages" for the troops. The security forces are also enhancing their training quota of personnel for understanding IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIEDs). "IEDs remain a constant threat to the security personnel and their operations everywhere be it anti-Naxal operations or counter-terrorist duties. "However, for those deployed in the Kashmir valley knowing IEDs and VBIEDs, their detection and crippling is very important post the Afghanistan development," one of the officers cited above said and referred to the fatal and non-fatal casualties suffered by the NATO forces from IEDs in Afghanistan.

Indian security forces to have training module on Taliban

India is set to evacuate all diplomats from its mission in Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan, sources confirmed on Tuesday. Sources further said that Indian officials remain present in the embassy in Kabul as of now.

News Alert: India to evacuate all diplomats from Afghanistan's Mazar-e-Sharif

The Chief Afghan government Negotiator for intra-Afghan Talks,&nbsp; Dr Abdullah Abdullah has lauded New Delhi’s continuous support to the government and people of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

“India is a strategic partner of Afghanistan,” said Dr Abdullah Abdullah.

His comments come&nbsp;as he begins his four day India visit during which he will call on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and other top Indian officials.&nbsp;

WION was the first channel over the weekend to break the story.

Dr Abdullah in a series of tweets ahead of the visit said, "Our historical relations with India is very important to us&nbsp;&amp; the role of India in establishing lasting peace in Afghanistan and the region is vital".

He will be briefing Indian officials, during the visit about the peace process and "need for regional consensus", he tweeted.

This is his first visit to New Delhi as the chief negotiator and chief of High Council for National Reconciliation.&nbsp;

His visit to India, at the official invitation by the Indian Govt, comes even as last month saw the beginning of intra-Afghan talks in Doha between Afghan Govt and Taliban.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had joined the intra-Afghan talks ceremony on 12th Sept virtually, with Joint Secretary in Pakistan Afghanistan and Iran division JP Singh visiting Doha for it. JS PAI during the visit had met Dr Abdullah Abdullah.

Since then US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad &amp; Senior Afghan politician Abdul Rashid Dostum has been to India, signifying New Delhi's role in the peace process.

The Chief Afghan government Negotiator for intra-Afghan Talks, Dr Abdullah Abdullah has lauded New Delhi’s continuous support to the government and people of Afghanistan.

The Chief Afghan government Negotiator for intra-Afghan Talks, Dr Abdullah Abdullah has lauded New Delhi’s continuous support to the government and people of Afghanistan. “India is a strategic partner of Afghanistan,” said Dr Abdullah Abdullah. His comments come as he begins his four day India visit during which he will call on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and other top Indian officials. WION was the first channel over the weekend to break the story. Dr Abdullah in a series of tweets ahead of the visit said, "Our historical relations with India is very important to us & the role of India in establishing lasting peace in Afghanistan and the region is vital". He will be briefing Indian officials, during the visit about the peace process and "need for regional consensus", he tweeted. This is his first visit to New Delhi as the chief negotiator and chief of High Council for National Reconciliation. His visit to India, at the official invitation by the Indian Govt, comes even as last month saw the beginning of intra-Afghan talks in Doha between Afghan Govt and Taliban. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had joined the intra-Afghan talks ceremony on 12th Sept virtually, with Joint Secretary in Pakistan Afghanistan and Iran division JP Singh visiting Doha for it. JS PAI during the visit had met Dr Abdullah Abdullah. Since then US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad & Senior Afghan politician Abdul Rashid Dostum has been to India, signifying New Delhi's role in the peace process.

India is a strategic partner of Afghanistan: Top peace negotiator Dr Abdullah Abdullah

Afghanistan has appointed a new envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay who has called India a "generous neighbour" who has "stood with us in difficult times and have shared their bread with us."

Farid who was earlier in Senior Political Advisor at the Afghan National Security Council tweeted on his appointment,"I am honoured &amp; humbled to have been designated as the new Afghan ambassador to India, a traditional and historic friend of Afghanistan."

Calling India a "strategic partner with strong historical, political &amp; cultural links", he said he would "further strengthen our ties at all levels for a peaceful &amp; prosperous Afghanistan and India."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-defeat-mothers-name-to-be-added-in-afghanistans-nation-id-cards-325059">Also read|&nbsp;Taliban's defeat: Mother's name to be added in Afghanistan's nation ID cards</a>

India has been the biggest development partner of Afghanistan in the region and has built mega infrastructure projects like India Afghan friendship dam and Afghan Parliament.

He also tweeted in Hindi, "मैं हमारी दोस्ती को हमेशा के लिए निभाने की कामना करता हूं" (I hope our friendship will grow and blossom)&nbsp;

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3/3 - / <a href="https://twitter.com/mfa_afghanistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mfa_afghanistan</a> in the World’s largest democracy. 
 
I also thank <a href="https://twitter.com/ARG_AFG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ARG_AFG</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MHaneefAtmar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MHaneefAtmar</a> for their trust and confidence. 
 
मैं हमारी दोस्ती को हमेशा के लिए निभाने की कामना करता हूं
— Farid Mamundzay (@FMamundzay) <a href="https://twitter.com/FMamundzay/status/1301796280310607872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Farid was also Deputy Director General at the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) which is an Afghan government agency for all local administrations in the country.

His appointment comes even as intra Afghan talks between the Afghan government and Taliban are expected to begin.

The Chargé d'Affaires at the Afghan mission in Delhi, Tahir Qadiry, welcomed the appointment of new Afghan envoy and said, "As a CDA here for over 1 year, I realized the indispensability &amp; vitality of Indo-Afghan ties &amp; this decision will only bolster our Mission to further strengthen our bilateral ties".

Meanwhile, under the Air Bubble Agreement between the two countries, Air India and Ariana will resume their operations between Delhi-Kabul in the near future. Air transport across the world had come to a halt due to COVID crisis, and India is now in talks for air transport bubbles with many countries so that international cross border movement begins.

Afghanistan has appointed a new envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay who has called India a "generous neighbour" who has "stood with us in difficult times and have shared their bread with us.

Afghanistan has appointed a new envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay who has called India a "generous neighbour" who has "stood with us in difficult times and have shared their bread with us." Farid who was earlier in Senior Political Advisor at the Afghan National Security Council tweeted on his appointment,"I am honoured & humbled to have been designated as the new Afghan ambassador to India, a traditional and historic friend of Afghanistan." Calling India a "strategic partner with strong historical, political & cultural links", he said he would "further strengthen our ties at all levels for a peaceful & prosperous Afghanistan and India." Also read| Taliban's defeat: Mother's name to be added in Afghanistan's nation ID cards India has been the biggest development partner of Afghanistan in the region and has built mega infrastructure projects like India Afghan friendship dam and Afghan Parliament. He also tweeted in Hindi, "मैं हमारी दोस्ती को हमेशा के लिए निभाने की कामना करता हूं" (I hope our friendship will grow and blossom) 3/3 - / @mfa_afghanistan in the World’s largest democracy. I also thank @ARG_AFG, @MHaneefAtmar for their trust and confidence. मैं हमारी दोस्ती को हमेशा के लिए निभाने की कामना करता हूं — Farid Mamundzay (@FMamundzay) September 4, 2020 × Farid was also Deputy Director General at the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) which is an Afghan government agency for all local administrations in the country. His appointment comes even as intra Afghan talks between the Afghan government and Taliban are expected to begin. The Chargé d'Affaires at the Afghan mission in Delhi, Tahir Qadiry, welcomed the appointment of new Afghan envoy and said, "As a CDA here for over 1 year, I realized the indispensability & vitality of Indo-Afghan ties & this decision will only bolster our Mission to further strengthen our bilateral ties". Meanwhile, under the Air Bubble Agreement between the two countries, Air India and Ariana will resume their operations between Delhi-Kabul in the near future. Air transport across the world had come to a halt due to COVID crisis, and India is now in talks for air transport bubbles with many countries so that international cross border movement begins.

New Afghan envoy to India calls India a 'generous neighbour'; tweets in Hindi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India remains concerned over the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support the efforts of its people and government for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

India has been keenly following the evolving political situation after the US signed a peace deal with the Taliban in February. The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains to Washington's 18-year war in the country.

In his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states here in the Russian capital, Singh said that our goal should be security and growth for all in the region, but we are far from achieving security and growth for all.

He said that the security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern.

According to a recent UN report, as many as 533 Afghan civilians - including more than 150 children - were killed in war-torn Afghanistan due to fighting, highlighting the urgent need for all parties to the conflict to do more to protect civilians from harm.

Those deaths, along with 760 additional civilian casualties, came amid raised hopes that the Afghan government and the Taliban would begin substantive peace talks and prioritise efforts to protect all Afghans from the impact of coronavirus.

At the SCO meeting, Singh said: ?India will continue to support the efforts of the people and government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process?.

He also praised the SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, saying it is useful for exchanging notes among the member states.

The SCO comprises eight member states -- India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.

The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001.

India has also been maintaining that care should be taken to ensure that any such process does not lead to any "ungoverned spaces" where terrorists and their proxies can relocate.

India has been calling upon all sections of the political spectrum in Afghanistan to work together to meet the aspirations of all people in that country including those from the minority community for a prosperous and safe future.

There have been global concerns over Pakistan's support to the Taliban and other terror groups operating in Afghanistan.

India has in the past conveyed to the Trump administration that pressure should be put on Pakistan to crack down on terror networks operating from its soil.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India remains concerned over the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support the efforts of its people and government for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India remains concerned over the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support the efforts of its people and government for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. India has been keenly following the evolving political situation after the US signed a peace deal with the Taliban in February. The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains to Washington's 18-year war in the country. In his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states here in the Russian capital, Singh said that our goal should be security and growth for all in the region, but we are far from achieving security and growth for all. He said that the security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern. According to a recent UN report, as many as 533 Afghan civilians - including more than 150 children - were killed in war-torn Afghanistan due to fighting, highlighting the urgent need for all parties to the conflict to do more to protect civilians from harm. Those deaths, along with 760 additional civilian casualties, came amid raised hopes that the Afghan government and the Taliban would begin substantive peace talks and prioritise efforts to protect all Afghans from the impact of coronavirus. At the SCO meeting, Singh said: ?India will continue to support the efforts of the people and government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process?. He also praised the SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, saying it is useful for exchanging notes among the member states. The SCO comprises eight member states -- India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001. India has also been maintaining that care should be taken to ensure that any such process does not lead to any "ungoverned spaces" where terrorists and their proxies can relocate. India has been calling upon all sections of the political spectrum in Afghanistan to work together to meet the aspirations of all people in that country including those from the minority community for a prosperous and safe future. There have been global concerns over Pakistan's support to the Taliban and other terror groups operating in Afghanistan. India has in the past conveyed to the Trump administration that pressure should be put on Pakistan to crack down on terror networks operating from its soil.

India concerned at Afghan security situation, will continue to support people, govt: Rajnath Singh at SCO

Even as the Afghan Peace process is underway, India and Afghanistan have been engaging with each other. Afghan Foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar spoke to India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed a number of issues.

Atmar in a tweet later said, "It was a pleasure to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest. We are profoundly grateful for your continued economic cooperation and unwavering political support for peace and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."

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Thank you so much Excellency. It was a pleasure to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest. We are profoundly grateful for your continued economic cooperation and unwavering political support for peace and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. <a href="https://t.co/Ok2SY9R7MS">https://t.co/Ok2SY9R7MS</a>
— Mohammed Haneef Atmar محمد حنیف اتمر (@MHaneefAtmar) <a href="https://twitter.com/MHaneefAtmar/status/1296110830363324416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/actions-of-nations-during-covid-19-determines-how-world-perceives-them-mea-321889">Actions of nations during Covid-19 determines how world perceives them: MEA</a>

Meanwhile, the Afghan envoy to India Tahir Qadiry during his Independence Day speech at the Afghan mission in Delhi said his country shares values with India.

Lauding ties he said, "Our time-tested ties have endured through thick and thin of regional challenges and we have always come stronger and closer than before. Afghanistan shares values with India and today's Afghanistan understands values and embraces this fact."

He appreciated India's contribution in "rebuilding and reconstruction" of Afghanistan and extended "heartfelt gratitude to our great Indian allies for the steadfast support and contribution."

India is the largest development partner of Afghanistan in the region and has built several infrastructure projects in the country including the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat province.

On the situation in Afghanistan, Tahir said, " We will always uphold the gains made so far. We are still facing challenges posed by International terrorism. We strive hard to augment peace efforts to fulfil aspirations of our people and I can confidently say enduring peace will finally prevail."

Hopes are high that Afghan-Taliban talks will soon begin as Ghani govt has ordered the release of prisoners in accordance with US Taliban deal of February.

The Afghan envoy said his country is "proud of our heroes at the Afghan defence and security forces who are fending and fighting at the forefront to ensure freedom." 
&nbsp;

Even as the Afghan Peace process is underway, India and Afghanistan have been engaging with each other. Afghan Foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar spoke to India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed a number of issues.

Even as the Afghan Peace process is underway, India and Afghanistan have been engaging with each other. Afghan Foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar spoke to India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed a number of issues. Atmar in a tweet later said, "It was a pleasure to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest. We are profoundly grateful for your continued economic cooperation and unwavering political support for peace and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan." Thank you so much Excellency. It was a pleasure to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest. We are profoundly grateful for your continued economic cooperation and unwavering political support for peace and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. https://t.co/Ok2SY9R7MS — Mohammed Haneef Atmar محمد حنیف اتمر (@MHaneefAtmar) August 19, 2020 × Also read | Actions of nations during Covid-19 determines how world perceives them: MEA Meanwhile, the Afghan envoy to India Tahir Qadiry during his Independence Day speech at the Afghan mission in Delhi said his country shares values with India. Lauding ties he said, "Our time-tested ties have endured through thick and thin of regional challenges and we have always come stronger and closer than before. Afghanistan shares values with India and today's Afghanistan understands values and embraces this fact." He appreciated India's contribution in "rebuilding and reconstruction" of Afghanistan and extended "heartfelt gratitude to our great Indian allies for the steadfast support and contribution." India is the largest development partner of Afghanistan in the region and has built several infrastructure projects in the country including the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat province. On the situation in Afghanistan, Tahir said, " We will always uphold the gains made so far. We are still facing challenges posed by International terrorism. We strive hard to augment peace efforts to fulfil aspirations of our people and I can confidently say enduring peace will finally prevail." Hopes are high that Afghan-Taliban talks will soon begin as Ghani govt has ordered the release of prisoners in accordance with US Taliban deal of February. The Afghan envoy said his country is "proud of our heroes at the Afghan defence and security forces who are fending and fighting at the forefront to ensure freedom."

New Delhi, Kabul increase engagement as Afghan envoy says share values with India