India steadfast with its policy in support of peace in Afghanistan: Dy NSA Misri

According to sources, Misri said it is well established that any instability in Afghanistan is a threat to the whole region. Misri represented India at the dialogue, which is a regional security mechanism on Afghanistan comprising the Secretaries/NSAs of the National Security Councils of India, Iran, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan.

He said India had hosted the third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in New Delhi on November 10, 2021.

Sources said Misri told the NSAs that India has been consistent and steadfast with its policy in support of peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. As a contiguous neighbour, India has legitimate economic and security interests in Afghanistan. Ties with the Afghan people date back centuries and are historic and civilisational, he said.

For India, Misri told the meeting that development is a fundamental human right and India believes in working with the international community and like-minded actors for the welfare of the Afghan people, sources said.

The Deputy NSA said India has presence in almost 500 projects in Afghanistan spread across each of the 34 provinces in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture, and capacity building. India has invested more than USD 3 billion for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan.