Limited engagement with new Afghan rulers; situation in Afghanistan fluid: India
By Asianet Newsable English | First Published Sep 4, 2021, 10:46 AM ISTBriefing media persons in Washington, DC, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that India's 'wait and watch' policy signified that the situation within Afghanistan was very fluid on the ground and the country's policy will be calibrated as it evolved on the ground.
India has clarified that its stated 'wait and watch' position on a Taliban-ruled Afghanistan does not mean that New Delhi does nothing.
Briefing media persons in Washington, DC, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that India's 'wait and watch' policy signified that the situation within Afghanistan was very fluid on the ground and the country's policy will be calibrated as it evolved on the ground.
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Shringla said that India and the United States were closely observing Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan.
Asked about the recent dialogue with the Taliban, the Foreign Secretary said that the "new Afghan rulers" had indicated that they would reasonably consider India's concerns with regard to the use of their country's soil to harbour terrorists wanting to target India.
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He, however, went on to say that it remains to be seen whether the assurances that have been made in public are actually executed on the ground.
Our engagement with the Taliban has been limited, Shringla said.
He reiterated that besides raising the concerns about Afghanistan turning into a terrorist safe haven, India also wanted the Taliban to be mindful of the rights of women and minorities in the country.
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During his visit to Washington, DC, Shringla held a series of meetings with his US counterpart and top officials of the Joe Biden administration.
Shringla said he had a detailed discussion with Secretary of State Antony Blinken during which a number of issues like Afghanistan and Indo-Pacific and Quad cooperation were discussed.
The two sides also agreed to draw up shared priorities before the India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue scheduled for later this year.
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