India played 'active role' in UN resolution on Afghanistan

The United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) resolution on Afghanistan addresses India's key concerns about the war-ravaged country, with Indian government sources confirming that New Delhi played an "active role" in ensuring its passage.

The 15-member council has adopted the resolution in which the member states reiterated the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan. The resolution calls for the Taliban to facilitate safe passage for people wanting to leave Afghanistan, allow humanitarians to access the country, and uphold human rights, including women and children.

India’ Foreign Secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, chaired the UNSC meet under the Indian presidency in which the resolution was adopted.
"The Resolution demands that Afghan territory not be used to threaten/ attack any country or to shelter/ train terrorists or plan/ finance terrorist acts. It specifically mentions individuals and entities designated under UNSC Resolution 1267 i.e. Lashker-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed," an Indian government source was quoted as saying.

It also addresses India's immediate concerns about facilitating travel from Afghanistan, including Kabul Airport.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established a high-level group comprising External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, which is updating him on the Afghan situation and taking required steps to focus on immediate priorities, including evacuation of stranded Indians.

India has said that it has evacuated the majority of citizens who wish to come back. New Delhi is said to be on a wait and watch mode as far as recognising the Taliban regime is concerned, alongside the international community as the US withdrew its last troops from Afghanistan within the August 31 deadline.

(ANI)