India today expressed its deep concern at the upsurge in violence in Afghanistan and supported a call for immediate ceasefire and a need to assist people of Afghanistan in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. This was communicated during a meeting between US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Khalilzad provided an update on the US peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan.
“The US side recognized India’s constructive contribution in economic development, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. They laid importance to India’s crucial and continuing role in sustainable peace, security and stability in Afghanistan,” the External Affairs Ministry said.
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Khalilzad was accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council Lisa Curtis and US Ambassador to India Ken Juster.
Both External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor reiterated India’s continued support for strengthening peace, security, unity, democratic and inclusive polity and protection of rights of all sections of the Afghan society, including Afghan Hindus and Sikhs.
“India is deeply concerned at the upsurge in violence and supports call for immediate ceasefire and need to assist the people of Afghanistan in dealing with coronavirus pandemic. India remains engaged in extending humanitarian food and medical supplies to Afghanistan to deal with the situation created by coronavirus,” the External Affairs Ministry said.
India also emphasised that putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries is necessary for enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan.