Stage set for NSA level meet on Afghanistan, Doval to chair

NSA Ajit Doval would chair the meet in Delhi on the current situation in Afghanistan.

New Delhi: Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai P. Patrushev and Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani¸ Secretary, Supreme National Security Council of Iran would, among others, attend the 'Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan' on Nov 10.

To be hosted by India, the crucial meeting would also be participated by Karim Massimov, Chairman of National Security Committee of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan's Secretary of the Security Council Marat Mukanovich Imankulov, Tajikistan Security Council Secretary Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda, Charymyrat Kakalyyevvich Amavov, Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on Security & Secretary, State Security Council and Victor Makhmudov, Secretary of the Security Council of Uzbekistan, sources told 'Organiser'. 

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval would chair the Delhi meet. The Islamic Republic of Iran hosted the first two editions of the Dialogue in 2018 and 2019.

"The Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan will witness an expanded participation of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, who will all be represented by their respective National Security Advisers or Secretaries of the Security Councils," an MEA statement said.

The high-level dialogue will review the security situation in the region arising from recent developments in Afghanistan. "It will deliberate upon measures to address the relevant security challenges and support the people of Afghanistan in promoting peace, security and stability".

India has traditionally enjoyed close and friendly ties with the people of Afghanistan and has called for a unified international response to address the security and humanitarian challenges facing Afghanistan. The forthcoming meeting is a step in that direction, the statement said.

A few days back, it was learnt that invitations have been extended to China and Pakistan too. "However, Pakistan had indicated through the media that it will not attend," an informed source has said. The source categorically maintained that – "Pakistan's decision is unfortunate, but not surprising. It reflects its mindset of viewing Afghanistan as its protectorate." Pakistan attended the two previous meetings of this format in 2018 and 2019, as well.