News Analysis India

Tag: Afghanistan Crisis

  • India and Germany ink mobility pact, discuss key global challenges

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India and Germany on Monday inked a mobility partnership pact and held comprehensive discussions on key global challenges including the Ukraine conflict, the situation in Afghanistan and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

    At a media briefing after talks with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the mobility pact will make it easier for people to study, do research and work in each other’s country and is a strong signal for a more contemporary bilateral partnership.

    Jaishankar also strongly defended India’s import of crude oil from Russia and noted that it is largely driven by market forces.

    From February to November, European Union has imported more fossil fuel from Russia than the next 10 countries combined, he said in a sharp retort to a question on why India has been procuring crude oil from Russia.

    The German foreign minister arrived here this morning on a two-day visit to discuss ways to further expand bilateral cooperation in a range of areas including energy, trade, defence and security and climate change.

    At the joint media briefing, Jaishankar said that India’s position on the Ukraine issue is clear that this is not an era of war and that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue.

    The visiting German foreign minister described India as a role model for many countries and noted that Berlin wants to bolster its security cooperation with New Delhi.

    Asked about challenges facing the region from China, Baerbock said there is a need to assess the threats while describing Beijing as a competitor and rival in many ways.ALSO READ | Germany’s Scholz in China amid trade, Ukraine, rights issues

    “We now know what happens when a country becomes too dependent on another that doesn’t share the same values,” Baerbock said.

    Jaishankar said the situation in Afghanistan and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan figured in the talks. He asserted that there can’t be talks with Pakistan if it continues cross-border terrorism.

    Earlier in a statement, the German foreign minister described India as Germany’s “natural partner” and said that the country will have a decisive influence in shaping the international order in the 21st century.

    “The Indian government has set itself ambitious goals not only in the G20 but also at home for its own people. When it comes to expanding renewable energies, India wants to push ahead with the energy transition more than before. Germany stands by India’s side,” she said.

    The dramatic effects of the climate crisis affect us all, destroying livelihoods in Europe as well as in India, the visiting German minister said.

    “That we want to strengthen our economic, climate and security policy cooperation with India beyond our strategic partnership, are not empty words,” she stressed.ALSO READ | Must become voice of Global South: Jaishankar on India’s  G20 Presidency

    NEW DELHI: India and Germany on Monday inked a mobility partnership pact and held comprehensive discussions on key global challenges including the Ukraine conflict, the situation in Afghanistan and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

    At a media briefing after talks with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the mobility pact will make it easier for people to study, do research and work in each other’s country and is a strong signal for a more contemporary bilateral partnership.

    Jaishankar also strongly defended India’s import of crude oil from Russia and noted that it is largely driven by market forces.

    From February to November, European Union has imported more fossil fuel from Russia than the next 10 countries combined, he said in a sharp retort to a question on why India has been procuring crude oil from Russia.

    The German foreign minister arrived here this morning on a two-day visit to discuss ways to further expand bilateral cooperation in a range of areas including energy, trade, defence and security and climate change.

    At the joint media briefing, Jaishankar said that India’s position on the Ukraine issue is clear that this is not an era of war and that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue.

    The visiting German foreign minister described India as a role model for many countries and noted that Berlin wants to bolster its security cooperation with New Delhi.

    Asked about challenges facing the region from China, Baerbock said there is a need to assess the threats while describing Beijing as a competitor and rival in many ways.ALSO READ | Germany’s Scholz in China amid trade, Ukraine, rights issues

    “We now know what happens when a country becomes too dependent on another that doesn’t share the same values,” Baerbock said.

    Jaishankar said the situation in Afghanistan and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan figured in the talks. He asserted that there can’t be talks with Pakistan if it continues cross-border terrorism.

    Earlier in a statement, the German foreign minister described India as Germany’s “natural partner” and said that the country will have a decisive influence in shaping the international order in the 21st century.

    “The Indian government has set itself ambitious goals not only in the G20 but also at home for its own people. When it comes to expanding renewable energies, India wants to push ahead with the energy transition more than before. Germany stands by India’s side,” she said.

    The dramatic effects of the climate crisis affect us all, destroying livelihoods in Europe as well as in India, the visiting German minister said.

    “That we want to strengthen our economic, climate and security policy cooperation with India beyond our strategic partnership, are not empty words,” she stressed.ALSO READ | Must become voice of Global South: Jaishankar on India’s  G20 Presidency

  • Actors Tom Hardy, Channing Tatum to headline movie about Afghanistan evacuation

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Hollywood stars Tom Hardy and Channing Tatum are feature in a film about the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

    Universal has picked up the untitled project, which will be directed by George Nolfi of “The Adjustment Bureau” fame, as per Deadline.

    Based on recently reported true stories, the film will follow three former special forces team members who jump back into the fray alongside their Afghan counterparts, to rescue families and allies left behind amid the rapid fall of Afghanistan to Taliban in August this year.

    Jules Daly, Tatum and Hardy will produce as well as Reid Carolin and Peter Kiernan of Free Association.

    Nolfi, who has also written on films like “Ocean’s Twelve”, “The Bourne Ultimatum” and “Timeline”, will serve as an executive producer.

    Hardy recently featured in “Venom: Let There Be Carnage”, the sequel to his 2018 hit “Venom” and will next star in Gareth Evan’s Netflix thriller “Havoc”.

    Tatum will soon be appearing in upcoming film “Dog”, which is a comedy that he is co-directing alongside Reid Carolin.

    He will also star opposite Oscar winner Sandra Bullock in “The Lost City”.

  • United global response needed to bring desired changes in Afghanistan: PM Modi at G20 meet

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on the international community to ensure that Afghan territory does not become a source of radicalisation and terrorism, and pitched for a united global response to bring about the desired change in that country.

    In a virtual address at the G20 Extraordinary Summit on Afghanistan, Modi also pressed for “urgent and unhindered” humanitarian assistance to Afghan citizens and underlined the need for having an inclusive administration in that country.

    He said a unified international response based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593 is necessary to improve the situation in Afghanistan.

    “Participated in the G20 Summit on Afghanistan.Stressed on preventing Afghan territory from becoming the source of radicalisation and terrorism,” Modi tweeted.

     “Also called for urgent and unhindered humanitarian assistance to Afghan citizens and an inclusive administration,” he said.

    Participated in the G20 Summit on Afghanistan. Stressed on preventing Afghan territory from becoming the source of radicalisation and terrorism.Also called for urgent and unhindered humanitarian assistance to Afghan citizens and an inclusive administration.
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 12, 2021
    The UNSC resolution, adopted on August 30 under India’s presidency of the global body, talked about the need for upholding human rights in Afghanistan, demanded that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism and that a negotiated political settlement should be found out to the crisis.

    The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi noted that every Indian feels the pain of Afghan people facing hunger and malnutrition and emphasised the need for the international community to ensure that Afghanistan has immediate and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance.

    “The prime minister also underlined the need to ensure that Afghan territory does not become a source of radicalisation and terrorism, regionally or globally,” it said in a statement.

    The MEA said Modi called for enhancing the joint fight against the nexus of radicalisation, terrorism and the smuggling of drugs and arms in the region.

    “In order to preserve the socio-economic gains of the last 20 years and to restrict the spread of radical ideology, the prime minister called for an inclusive administration in Afghanistan, which includes women and minorities,” it said.

    “He conveyed support for the important role of the United Nations in Afghanistan and called for renewed support of the G20 for the message contained in UN Security Council Resolution 2593 on Afghanistan,” it added.

    It said Modi called on the international community to forge a unified international response without which it would be difficult to bring about the desired change in Afghanistan’s situation.

  • Essential to ensure Afghanistan territory not used to spread terrorism: PM Modi at UNGA

    By ANI

    NEW YORK: Noting that the danger of regressive thinking and extremism is increasing in the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that it is absolutely essential to ensure that Afghanistan territory is not used to spread terrorism and for terrorist activities.

    “Today, the danger of regressive thinking and extremism is increasing in the world. In these circumstances, the whole world has to make science-based, rational and progressive thinking the basis of development,” PM Modi said while addressing the UNGA.

    “It is absolutely essential to ensure that Afghanistan territory is not used to spread terrorism and for terrorist activities,” he added.

    The Prime Minister said there is a need to ensure that no country tries to take advantage of the delicate situation in Afghanistan and use it for its own selfish interests.

    He also said that people of Afghanistan, women and children, minorities need help that should be provided to them.

    “We also need to ensure that no country tries to take advantage of delicate situation in Afghanistan and use it for its own selfish interests. At this time, people of Afghanistan, women and children, minorities need help. We must fulfill our duties by providing them with help,” he said.

    PM Modi said the world has for the past one-and-a-half years is facing the worst pandemic of the past 100 years and paid his tributes to all those who lost their lives in COVID-19.

    “For the last-one-and-half years, the world has been grappling with the worst pandemic it has seen in a hundred years. I pay my tributes to all those who have lost their lives in a dangerous pandemic and I express condolences to their families,” PM Modi said. 

  • Events in Afghanistan raise questions about use of terrorism to change State structure: Rajnath Singh

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The developments in Afghanistan raised questions about role of power politics and the use of terrorism as a tool to change State structures and behaviour, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

    In an address at the National Defence College, Singh also said that there has been growing realisation of India’s concerns over Pakistan’s support to radical and terror groups.

    In a veiled reference to Pakistan, he said the turmoil caused in the region has been brought about by “aggressive designs” and the active support to non-State players by irresponsible States.

    ​ALSO READ | India, US condemn cross-border terrorism; call for perpetrators of 26/11 attacks to be brought to justice

    “Today, the world is witness to the destabilising effects of terror and the especially dangerous precedence of violent radical forces attempting to gain legitimacy by creating new normals,” he said.

    The defence minister said that there is a widespread realisation amongst all responsible nations over the need to come together against the common challenges.

    “The recent events in Afghanistan have reinforced the reality of our times. The only certainty about evolving geopolitics is its uncertainty. Changes in State boundaries may not be as frequent today,” he said.

    “However, the fast-transforming structure of States and the influence that external powers can have on it is clearly evident,” he said “These events raise questions regarding the very role of power politics and the use of terrorism as a tool to change State structures and behaviour,” Singh added.

  • Afghanistan crisis, COVID and climate focus of Modi-Biden talks, Quad summit

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden on Friday held their first bilateral meeting in Washington where they agreed to fight challenges like Covid and climate change together while strengthening mutual ties.

    In his opening remarks, Biden recalled his Mumbai visit in his capacity of US vice-president and said that ties between the US and India are destined to grow. “We must take on challenges like Covid and climate change together,” he said. Both invoked Mahatma Gandhi and his values of non-violence. Biden is the third US President since 2014 to hold a bilateral meeting with Modi.

    ALSO READ | Quad summit will be force for global good: PM Narendra Modi

    Modi said Biden’s presidency will sow the seeds for better bilateral ties and also for all democracies across the world. “You have taken unique initiatives since you assumed office with regard to Covid, climate change and Quad. We will work together on these issues, which will benefit not only our countries but the entire world,” Modi told his host.

    Modi said technology would be a significant player in the coming decade across the world. “Technology will be used for betterment of humanity and will provide tremendous opportunities,” he said and added that trade will also continue to play an important part in bilateral relations.

    In the delegation-level talks, the two leaders discussed cooperation in various sectors like trade, defence and security, including matters of regional and global importance, like the Afghan situation. At the Quad summit that followed, Modi said its vaccine initiative would greatly help the countries of the Indo-Pacific. Modi, along with Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, participated in the first-ever in-person Quad leaders’ summit in New York. “Be it Covid, security or technology, the Quad will work together and will be a force for global good,” Modi said.

    Biden announced Quad scholarships where 25 students from each member country would be able to pursue master’s degrees in prestigious US universities. Morrison said Australia believes in a free and open Indo-Pacific while Suga pressed the US to lift restrictions on the import of Japanese products like rice.

  • PM Modi, Emmanuel Macron discuss Afghan situation, flag concerns over possible spread of terrorism

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday discussed the recent developments in Afghanistan and shared their concerns about possible spread of terrorism, narcotics, illicit weapons and human trafficking.

    During their telephonic conversation, the two leaders reviewed the increasing bilateral collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, and the important role that the India-France partnership plays in promoting stability and security in the region, a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office here said.

    President Macron and Prime Minister Modi agreed to act jointly and with Europe in the Indo-Pacific, to keep the region stable, rules-based and free of any hegemony, French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain said on Twitter.

    Spoke with my friend President @EmmanuelMacron on the situation in Afghanistan. We also discussed closer collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with France, including in the UNSC.
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2021
    After his conversation with Macron, Modi tweeted, “Spoke with my friend President @EmmanuelMacron on the situation in Afghanistan. We also discussed closer collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific.”

    “We place great value on our strategic partnership with France, including in the UNSC,” Modi said.

    The PMO said the two leaders discussed regional issues, including recent developments in Afghanistan.

    “In this context, they shared their concerns about possible spread of terrorism, narcotics, illicit weapons and human trafficking, as well as the need to ensure human rights, rights of women and minorities,” the statement said.

    The leaders agreed to maintain close and regular consultations, in the spirit of the India-France Strategic Partnership, which both countries cherish deeply, it said.

  • India concerned about implications of changes in Afghanistan, says Foreign Secretary Shringla

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: As a neighbour of Afghanistan, India is naturally concerned about the recent changes in that country and their implications for the region, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Monday.

    Referring to a recent resolution on Afghanistan by the UN Security Council, he said it addressed the main pending issues and demanded that Afghan territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts.

    The foreign secretary was speaking at the sixth JP Morgan ‘India Investor Summit’.

    ​ALSO READ | Pakistan sends humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Torkham border crossing

    “The situation in our neighbourhood, particularly in Afghanistan, and with China on our eastern borders reminds us that while the new realities are making themselves felt, traditional security challenges remain,” he said.

    Talking about the eastern Ladakh standoff, Shringla said Chinese attempts over the last year to unilaterally alter the status quo in the region have seriously disturbed peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

    “We have made it clear to the Chinese side that peace and tranquillity in border areas is essential for development of our relationship. Development of India-China relationship can only be based on ‘three mutuals’ — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests,” he said.

    On Afghanistan, the foreign secretary said New Delhi is concerned about implications of the recent developments for India and the region.

    “As an immediate neighbour, we are naturally concerned about the recent changes within Afghanistan and their implications for us and the region,” he said.

    He said India’s immediate focus was on the evacuation of Indian nationals from Afghanistan and that most of the Indian nationals have been able to leave Kabul in August.

    ​ALSO READ | We have to consider Afghan children, as our children, says Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi

    “A number of Afghans, including minorities, who wanted to travel to India, have also been able to do so. However, this process could not be completed due to the security situation at the airport,” he said.

    “Resumption of flights from Kabul airport is, therefore, a priority. We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation,” Shringla added.

    He also mentioned the UN Security Council resolution 2593 on Afghanistan that was adopted on August 30 under India’s presidency of the global body, and noted that it comprehensively addressed the main pending issues relating to that country.

    “The resolution demands that Afghan territory not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts; and specifically refers to terrorist individuals proscribed by the UN Security Council, including the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad,” Shringla said.

    The foreign secretary said India is also monitoring developments related to the humanitarian needs of Afghanistan.

    “In UNDP’s assessment, there is an imminent threat of poverty levels rising in Afghanistan. There is also a threat of an imminent drought and a food security crisis,” he said.

    ​ALSO READ | EAM Jaishankar, his Saudi counterpart discuss developments in Afghanistan

    “It is important for the humanitarian assistance providers to be given unrestricted and direct access to Afghanistan,” the foreign secretary said.

    He also underlined the need to ensure that the distribution of humanitarian assistance is done in a “non-discriminatory manner” to all sections of the Afghan society.

    “India’s approach to Afghanistan has been guided by our civilisational relationship with the Afghan people. We have extended over USD 3 billion as development assistance for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan,” he said.

    The foreign secretary said India has undertaken over 500 developmental projects spread across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

    “These initiatives have earned us tremendous goodwill in the country. Our friendship with the Afghan people will continue to guide our approach in the future,” he added.

  • 736 Afghans recorded for new registration in India from August 1 to September 11: UNHCR

    The UN refugee agency said it is in constant dialogue with the government on matters pertaining to Afghan nationals, including issuance and extensions of visa, assistance, and solutions.

  • Pakistan ISI chief briefs Russia, Iran and China about India’s role in Afghanistan

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Pakistan intelligence chief Faiz Hameed met his counterparts from Russia, China, Iran and Tajikistan to brief them about India’s role in previous Afghanistan governments in promoting terrorism. According to sources, the meeting hosted by the ISI chief also discussed the roles of various countries in Afghanistan, post the takeover by the Taliban.

    Hameed’s meeting comes days after he was seen in Kabul ahead of the ‘interim government’ formation by the Taliban, which includes several UN-sanctioned terrorists including Siraj Haqqani of the Haqqani network. Pakistan has been eyeing a more significant role in Afghanistan since the Taliban took over. Last week, Islamabad announced that bilateral trade with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan will be undertaken in Pakistani rupees, a big shift from the earlier practice of trading in US dollars.

    Sources said there have been certain disagreements between the Taliban and Islamabad on government formation. It is learnt that ISI wanted more members from the Quetta Shura (Quetta branch) and the Haqqani network.