Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are one of the two neighbouring countries that share a border with Afghanistan.
New Delhi: Hours before the crucial 'Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan', NSA Ajit Doval held a crucial round of talks with his counterparts in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
In what is seen as a clear stand against some sections, India and Uzbekistan NSAs felt that the "legitimacy of any Afghan government within Afghanistan was important" before its international recognition.
Of course, sources said Afghanistan was the major focus of discussions between Doval and Victor Makhmudov, Secretary of the Security Council of Uzbekistan.
"Both sides agreed that the future of Afghanistan must be decided by the people of Afghanistan themselves," a source said.
"Both sides emphasized the need for Afghanistan's neighbours to ensure unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan."
The source said they also agreed that neighbouring states must play a "constructive role" in Afghanistan.
Both sides also highlighted the need for the long-term economic development of Afghanistan.
In the meeting with Tajikistan Security Council Secretary Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda also, there was a detailed exchange of views on Afghanistan, with "significant convergence of assessments" between the two nations.
There were concerns expressed on the sharp increase in terrorist threats from Afghanistan in the recent past.
"Tajik side highlighted the gravity of the situation in Afghanistan," the source said.
There were detailed discussions on the looming humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
"On the bilateral side, discussions took place on deepening cooperation in areas like defence, border management and border infrastructure development," the source said.
Flagging off a major discussion on Afghanistan, NSA Ajit Doval is set to preside over the NSA levels the 'Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan' on Nov 10, Wednesday.
Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Nikolai P. Patrushev and Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani¸ Secretary, Supreme National Security Council of Iran, are, among others.
The NSAs and NSA equivalent top officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan would also attend.
The Islamic Republic of Iran hosted the first two editions of the Dialogue in 2018 and 2019.
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.
A few days back, it was learnt that invitations had been extended to China and Pakistan too.
However, Pakistan had indicated through the media that it would not attend, a source said.
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