On Wednesday, India called for global action to ensure that terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) do not exploit Afghan territory. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized the need for international cooperation during a UN Security Council meeting focused on Afghanistan.
“India is closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan,” Harish stated, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by these UN-designated terrorist entities. He urged the international community to work together to prevent these groups from further destabilizing the region.
India’s Commitment to Afghan Stability
In his address, Harish asserted that a coordinated approach was critical in addressing the plight of the Afghan people. He emphasized, “The international community must coordinate efforts to ensure that designated entities and individuals, including ISIL and Al Qaeda and their affiliates, do not exploit Afghan territory.”
This call to action is particularly directed at Pakistan, as it is known to harbor these terrorist organizations. Harish remarked that India and Afghanistan share a long-standing civilizational relationship and that India has a “paramount interest” in ensuring peace in Afghanistan.
Humanitarian Assistance Amidst Crises
While underscoring the importance of security cooperation, Harish also highlighted India’s role in providing humanitarian aid. He noted, “After more than four years of living under a sanctioned regime, the Afghan people have not seen much scope for enhanced development assistance.”
Following the recent devastating earthquake in Afghanistan, India was among the first to offer aid, delivering 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food supplies to afflicted provinces. An additional 21 tonnes of supplies, including essential medicines, hygiene kits, and blankets, are being dispatched to support the suffering population.
India’s commitment to Afghanistan extends beyond immediate relief. Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, India has provided around 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines, and numerous social support items.
New Approaches for Afghanistan’s Future
India has called for fresh approaches to address Afghanistan’s post-conflict situation. Harish warned that solely punitive measures would not lead to desired outcomes. Instead, nuanced strategies must be employed to foster stability and cooperation within the region.
“A business as usual approach is only expected to maintain the status quo,” he noted. This, according to him, is insufficient for the needs of Afghan people longing for peace and development.
Harish reiterated the need for compassion and collaboration from the international community, particularly in light of Afghanistan’s humanitarian crises involving poverty, disease, and hunger.
Engagement and Support for Afghanistan
India’s humanitarian assistance aligns with its broader commitment to supporting the Afghan people. Collaborating with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, India has already provided 84 MTs of assistance for drug rehabilitation programs, particularly focused on aiding women.
Harish emphasized that India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s development is “non-negotiable.” He stated that New Delhi intends to advance humanitarian aid while simultaneously implementing capacity-building initiatives to support the Afghan population.
Over the years, India has established over 500 development projects throughout Afghanistan, reinforcing its dedication to the country’s reconstruction and prosperity.
As India continues to engage with various stakeholders, it reaffirms its support for the international community’s efforts to achieve a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghan state.
