Underlining that terrorism in Afghanistan has grown in both intensity and scope, India on Wednesday asked the international community to ensure that extremist forces do not find sanctuaries and safe havens in any “name, form or manifestation”.
Speaking at the ‘Heart of Asia’ ministerial conference on Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj asserted that there was a need for continued support of the international community to defend Afghanistan’s unity and security and on its part India was ready to work with the Afghan government to strengthen its defence capability.
“It is also the collective duty of all of us to ensure that the forces of terrorism and extremism do not find sanctuaries and safe havens in any name, form or manifestation. We, in Afghanistan’s proximity, have a particular responsibility in this regard,” Swaraj said.
Complimenting Afghan security forces and people of the country for countering forces of terrorism, she said India was ready to work with Afghanistan to strengthen its “defensive capability”.
“In the last few months, terrorism in Afghanistan has grown in both intensity and scope. Terrorists have made concerted efforts to capture and hold territory, reminding us that they have not changed,” she said.
Swaraj said Afghanistan needs support of the international community to defend its unity and security. “We salute the Afghan National Security Forces and the Afghan people for countering the forces of terrorism and extremism with courage and resilience. They need the continued support of the international community to defend Afghanistan’s unity and security. For its part, India is ready to work with Afghanistan to strengthen its defensive capability,” she said.
“An end to terrorism and extremism, and adherence to internationally accepted redlines are essential for reconciliation and lasting peace in Afghanistan,” she added.
Swaraj calls on Sharif, meets Afghan, Kyrgyz, Iranian counterparts
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday called on Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, amid efforts by both countries to revive the stalled dialogue process to improve ties. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Sharif’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz were also present during the meeting.
Swaraj arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday on a two-day visit to attend the ‘Heart of Asia’ ministerial conference on Afghanistan. She said it was time the two countries display “maturity and self-confidence” to do business with each other as the world was rooting for a change and offered to move cooperation at a pace Pakistan is comfortable with.
Swaraj also called on Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and discussed connectivity, terror threats to the war-torn country and peace and reconciliation process there. She met Ghani for nearly 30 minutes on the sidelines of the Conference, during which they also talked about India’s willingness to join Afghanistan-Pakistan trade and transit agreement.
The two sides also noted the forward movement on long-pending TAPI gas pipeline, ground-breaking ceremony of which will take place in Turkmenistan next week, which will be attended by Ghani and India will be represented by Vice-President Hamid Ansari.
“A Strong Bond of Friendship. EAM Sushma Swaraj calls on President Ashraf Ghani for a bilateral on sidelines of HoA,” MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a picture of the two leaders. “They reviewed bilateral ties, including transit. Discussed terror threat in Afghanistan and status of peace and reconciliation process,” he tweeted.
Swaraj also held meetings with Kyrgyzstan Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev and her Iranian counterpart Javed Zarif, whom she thanked for the release of Indian crew members of a ship. “Strengthening a Continuing Development Partnership: EAM Sushma Swaraj meets with Kyrgyzstan FM Erlan Abdyldaev,” Swarup tweeted along with a picture of the two ministers at the meeting.
Swaraj and Abdyldaev discussed key bilateral issues and ways to enhance cooperation. The Kyrgystan minister asserted that “India’s presence in Central Asia is much needed and appreciated,” Swarup said.