Russia snubs India, excludes it from 'extended Troika meeting' on Afghanistan: Reports
As the Taliban continues to attack Afghanistan, Russia took the first step. It stepped up efforts to reach out to all key stakeholders to stop the violation and push the Aghan peace process.
FollowIndia has not been invited to the crucial meeting being convened by Russia on the Afghanistan issue that would be expected to see the participation of Pakistan, China, and the US, media reports stated. As the Taliban continues to attack Afghanistan, Russia took the first step. It stepped up efforts to reach out to all key stakeholders to stop the violation and push the Aghan peace process. The meeting --- 'extended Troika' --- is scheduled to be held in Qatar on August 11.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia would continue to work with India and other countries, which can help in influencing the situation in Afghanistan. Post this comment, it was speculated that India might be included in the upcoming meeting. Speaking to the media, the minister had said that they will continue working in the extended Troika format with other countries that can influence the situation in Afghanistan, including our partners from Central Asia, India.
However, Russia has differences with the US on various dimensions of the Afghan conflict but aims to end the widespread violence triggered by the Taliban.
Meanwhile, India is yet to comment on the Troika meeting.
Earlier, India's ambassador to the UN, TS Tirumurti, announced that the United Nations Security Council would meet on Friday (August 6) under Indian Presidency to discuss and take stock of the situation in Afghanistan. For August, India is holding the presidency of the UNSC.
Speaking about the Afghanistan situation, the Taliban has been making rapid advances since the United States started withdrawing troops on May 1.
The US has already pulled back most of its forces and is looking to complete the drawdown by August 31.
India has been a significant stakeholder in the peace and stability of Afghanistan. It has already invested nearly USD 3 billion in aid and reconstruction activities in the war-ravaged country.
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