India to host Security Dialogue on Afghanistan

India is set to host “security dialogue on Afghanistan, on November 10, 2021.

Key facts

• Russia, Iran, and all other central Asian countries have confirmed their participation at the dialogue.
• It is for the first time that not just Afghanistan’s immediate land neighbours, but all Central Asian countries will participate.
• Invitation for the dialogue have been extended to China and Pakistan too.
• However, Pakistan has indicated that it will not participate.

Why India is hosting the dialogue?

India is hosting the dialogue for discussing the overall security situation in Afghanistan in the aftermath of Taliban’s capture of power.

Who will hold the meeting?

The security dialogue will be held at the level of national security advisers of the participating countries. From India, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval will chair the meeting.

Background

In the past, two meetings in this format have been held. Meetings were held in Iran in September 2018 and December 2019. Third meeting could not be held in 2020 due to covid-19 pandemic.

India’s view on Afghanistan peace process

• India has always called for a peace process which is “Afghan-led, Afghan-controlled and Afghan-owned”. It called for involving all stakeholders within the Afghan community to achieve peace by initiating a dialogue process.
• India has been calling for double peace, one within Afghanistan and second in external environment of Afghanistan. However, Pakistan as the neighbour of Afghanistan is delaying the peace process. Pakistan has been using Taliban to carry terrorist activities.
• India is of the view that, United Nations as an influencer of peace will play a bigger role in Afghan peace process.
• India also emphasizes on greater involvement of international community, such as by raising financial commitments under the Heart of Asia Conference for rebuilding Afghanistan.

India’s aid in Afghanistan

India has made contributions of around $3 billion to Afghan redevelopment. Developmental projects include:

1. Building of Afghan parliament as a gift from India
2. Construction of Salma dam in Herat province.
3. Building of Zaranj-Delaram highway for improving connectivity.
4. Setting up health infrastructure.
5. Mid-day meal sent to the schools of Afghanistan.
6. Scholarships for Afghan students to study in India.
7. Vocational training for Afghan women.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021