New Delhi. 07 July 2020. India participated in a meeting of regional partners on Afghanistan – ‘Strengthening Consensus for Peace’, hosted by the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The meeting was chaired by President of Afghanistan H.E. Dr Mohammad Ashraf Ghani. 20 Countries and international organisations including United Nations participated in the meeting. Joint Secretary (PAI) represented India.
President Ashraf Ghani thanked Prime Minister Modi for extending COVID 19 assistance to Afghanistan and for hosting SAARC leaders’ meeting for coordinated efforts in the region. Issues concerning Afghan peace and reconciliation process and support of the regional partners to an independent, unified, democratic and sovereign Afghanistan were discussed. India, one of the largest development partners of Afghanistan, with commitment of more than US $ 3 billion, reiterated the importance of an inclusive, Afghan – led, Afghan – owned, Afghan – controlled peace and reconciliation process.
India expressed support for a constitutional order in Afghanistan, which would protect the interest of all sections of Afghan society, including women, children and minorities. India highlighted the fact that in order to achieve durable peace in Afghanistan, putting an end to terrorist sanctuaries and safe havens is an essential pre-requisite.
