In a joint statement signed after the 4th Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan, India, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan urged the Taliban to form an inclusive government, protect women’s rights, tackle terrorism, and open aid routes but simultaneously reaffirmed the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan. They underscored that lasting peace can only be achieved “by the Afghans themselves, under the leadership of the Afghans and controlled by the Afghans.”
The statement, signed after the event in Dushanbe, added, however, “At the same time, all parties should maintain dialogue and communications with Afghanistan.” In this regard, they called on the Taliban to create a “broad and inclusive” political structure, pursue a “moderate” domestic and foreign policy, and develop “friendly relations” with all countries.
In this regard, the NSAs “called on the countries that are responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan to fulfil their obligations in full for the economic reconstruction of this country,” referring to the United States.
National Security Adviser Mr. Ajit Doval participating in the 4th Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan being held in Dushanbe@MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/Z3y5PeZOyU
— India in Tajikistan (@IndEmbDushanbe) May 27, 2022
The document also called on the Taliban to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a breeding ground for terrorists. “Heads of delegation called on the relevant Afghan parties to take more realistic steps to eradicate all types of terrorist groups [and] stop the movement of all terrorist organisations, dismantle their training camps both in Afghanistan and in the region,” it read.
Furthermore, the participating countries called on the Taliban to respect the rights of minorities in the country and not target people because of their religious and national identities. “Protection of the interests of other nationalities, the rights and freedoms of citizens, contributes to the improvement of the internal situation in Afghanistan, as well as the security of the countries of the region,” the statement said.
The delegations also urged the Taliban to ensure that the people of Afghanistan have access to unhindered humanitarian aid and urged the international community, including the United Nations, to step up their efforts to provide aid to the country. Accordingly, the NSAs affirmed their countries’ commitment to increase support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
NSA highlighted need for representation of all sections of Afghan society including women and minorities so that the collective energies of the largest possible proportion of the Afghan population feel motivated to contribute to nation building#Afghanistan #Dushanbe https://t.co/JmqhTqPtI8
— Ashish Kumar Singh (ABP News) (@AshishSinghLIVE) May 27, 2022
Speaking after the summit, Indian NSA Ajit Doval noted that India is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan and vowed to continue to support its people. “Special relationships with the people of Afghanistan built over centuries will guide India’s approach. Nothing can change this,” he stressed.
In this respect, Doval said that it is important to immediately ensure peace, security, and stability in the war-torn country. “There is a need for all present at the Dialogue to enhance the capability of Afghanistan to counter-terrorism and terrorist groups which pose a threat to regional peace and security,” Doval added.
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Talking about inclusivity, especially regarding granting more rights to women, the Indian NSA said, “Women and youth are critical for the future of any society” and called on the new regime in Afghanistan to provide greater educational and employment opportunities for girls, women, and youth.
This will not only “ensure productivity and spur growth” but also “have [a] positive social impact, including discouraging radical ideologies among youth.”
The summit comes as the international community expresses increasing serious concerns over recent measures by the Taliban that undermine the rights of women. Earlier this month, it ordered all women to cover their faces from head to toe in public spaces. It has also banned girls from attending high school, barred women from boarding flights unless they are accompanied by a male relative, and ordered female news anchors to cover their faces. Furthermore, it has dissolved key institutions like the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the Ministry of Peace, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, the Afghan Independent Election Commission, the Human Rights Commission, and the High Council for National Reconciliation since seizing power last August.