India’s Call for Global Action Against Terrorism
In a significant appeal to the international community, India has urged global leaders to ensure that Pakistan-based terror organizations, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), are prevented from exploiting Afghan territory for terrorist activities. This statement was made by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, during a UN Security Council meeting focused on Afghanistan.
Terrorism and the Afghan Situation
The call to action comes at a time when Afghanistan continues to grapple with instability and humanitarian crises. “The international community must coordinate efforts to prevent entities designated by the UN Security Council, including LeT and JeM, from operating within Afghanistan,” Harish stated. His remarks reflect ongoing concerns about the resurgence of terrorist groups in the region.
India’s Engagement with Afghanistan
Harish emphasized India’s long-standing relationship with Afghanistan, highlighting that New Delhi has a “paramount interest” in promoting peace and stability in the country. He mentioned that India participated in various regional forums, including meetings in Doha, to foster dialogue and cooperation.
“We believe in the utmost importance of international and regional consensus on key issues concerning Afghanistan,” he added, underscoring India’s proactive approach in addressing the challenges faced by the Afghan people.
Humanitarian Assistance and Support
With the country recovering from recent natural disasters, Harish pointed out that millions of Afghans are suffering from poverty, disease, and hunger. “After more than four years under a sanctioned regime, the Afghan people have not seen much development assistance,” he stated, calling for immediate humanitarian support.
India has been one of the first nations to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, providing 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food supplies to those affected by a devastating earthquake last month. Additionally, Harish revealed that India dispatched 21 tonnes of further relief materials, including essential medicines and hygiene kits.
Long-Term Commitment to Afghan Development
India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s development doesn’t stop at emergency relief. Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, India has provided approximately 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, as well as various other essential supplies to support Afghan citizens.
As part of a wider developmental strategy, India has implemented over 500 partnership projects across Afghanistan, geared towards long-term reconstruction and stability. “Our support for the Afghan people is non-negotiable,” said Harish, reinforcing India’s dedication to rebuilding the nation.
The Need for a New Approach
During his address to the UN, Harish proposed that a coherent policy for Afghanistan must focus on incentivizing positive behavior while discouraging harmful actions. He argued that relying solely on punitive measures would not yield the desired results.
“The UN and the international community have successfully adopted nuanced approaches in other post-conflict scenarios. Afghanistan requires a fresh set of policy instruments to support its people effectively,” he stated.
As India continues to engage with all relevant stakeholders, Harish reaffirmed that the nation remains dedicated to supporting Afghanistan’s peace efforts. “We will work with the international community towards a stable, prosperous, and peaceful Afghanistan,” he concluded.
