News Analysis India

Tag: Ajit Doval

  • Deport radical elements: India suggests UK during bilateral meet

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:   A day ahead of the planned rally by Khalistani supporters across countries, including the UK, Britain’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Tim Barrow held a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.

    “India has raised the issue of the extremist elements in the UK threatening individual officers of the Indian High Commission and urged the UK government to take strong action against these elements such as deportation or legal prosecution,’’ said a source aware of the meeting’s development.

    India and the UK also agreed to enhance cooperation to address violent extremism and radicalism. They reiterated that there can be no justification for violent extremism and radicalization in a democracy.It may be recalled that Khalistani supporters had brought down the Indian flag at the Indian High Commission on March 20 this year. Britain has assured India of all support to rein in these extremist elements. Khalistani supporters have called for a rally on July 8 and in the posters talking about the rally they have added pictures of Indian diplomats threatening to harm them.

    The meeting between the NSAs comes after the mysterious death of Avtar Singh Kanda, UK chief of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) on June 15 in Birmingham. Kanda had spearheaded the vandalism of the Indian High Commission in London and brought down the Indian flag.

    Khanda is said to have been an expert in bomb-making. He was admitted to Sandwell Hospital Birmingham and was on life support after being diagnosed with cancer. However, there are conflicting reports on the exact cause of his death and there isn’t any official confirmation of the same.

    Khanda was born in Moga, Punjab and was the son of Kulwant Singh Khurana- who was from KLF too and was gunned down by security forces in 1991. His mother too is said to have been related to KLF terrorist Gurjant Singh Budhsingwala.

    Meanwhile, both the NSA’s agreed to work closely on counter-terrorism. “Both the sides agreed to work closely on counter-terrorism, counter-terror financing, use of the internet for terrorism purposes, illicit drug trafficking and counter-radicalisation,’’ a source said.

    Barrow is in India on the invitation of Doval for the India-UK Strategic Dialogue. He is accompanied by a delegation of senior UK government officials. “The two had productive and wide-ranging discussions on furthering the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and also covered global security issues,’’ according to the British High Commission.

    Both Barrow and Doval have met at regular intervals and have been regularly engaged in discussing bilateral, regional and global issues. The current visit has given them the opportunity to continue their high-level dialogue, which will include a review of the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries as well as explore futuristic areas for technology collaboration.

    Both sides have agreed to accord maximum priority to further enhance the security linkages.it was also agreed to deepen collaboration in critical and emerging technologies. Barrow is likely to meet other dignitaries during his ongoing visit.

    NEW DELHI:   A day ahead of the planned rally by Khalistani supporters across countries, including the UK, Britain’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Tim Barrow held a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.

    “India has raised the issue of the extremist elements in the UK threatening individual officers of the Indian High Commission and urged the UK government to take strong action against these elements such as deportation or legal prosecution,’’ said a source aware of the meeting’s development.

    India and the UK also agreed to enhance cooperation to address violent extremism and radicalism. They reiterated that there can be no justification for violent extremism and radicalization in a democracy.
    It may be recalled that Khalistani supporters had brought down the Indian flag at the Indian High Commission on March 20 this year. Britain has assured India of all support to rein in these extremist elements. Khalistani supporters have called for a rally on July 8 and in the posters talking about the rally they have added pictures of Indian diplomats threatening to harm them.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The meeting between the NSAs comes after the mysterious death of Avtar Singh Kanda, UK chief of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) on June 15 in Birmingham. Kanda had spearheaded the vandalism of the Indian High Commission in London and brought down the Indian flag.

    Khanda is said to have been an expert in bomb-making. He was admitted to Sandwell Hospital Birmingham and was on life support after being diagnosed with cancer. However, there are conflicting reports on the exact cause of his death and there isn’t any official confirmation of the same.

    Khanda was born in Moga, Punjab and was the son of Kulwant Singh Khurana- who was from KLF too and was gunned down by security forces in 1991. His mother too is said to have been related to KLF terrorist Gurjant Singh Budhsingwala.

    Meanwhile, both the NSA’s agreed to work closely on counter-terrorism. “Both the sides agreed to work closely on counter-terrorism, counter-terror financing, use of the internet for terrorism purposes, illicit drug trafficking and counter-radicalisation,’’ a source said.

    Barrow is in India on the invitation of Doval for the India-UK Strategic Dialogue. He is accompanied by a delegation of senior UK government officials. “The two had productive and wide-ranging discussions on furthering the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and also covered global security issues,’’ according to the British High Commission.

    Both Barrow and Doval have met at regular intervals and have been regularly engaged in discussing bilateral, regional and global issues. The current visit has given them the opportunity to continue their high-level dialogue, which will include a review of the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries as well as explore futuristic areas for technology collaboration.

    Both sides have agreed to accord maximum priority to further enhance the security linkages.it was also agreed to deepen collaboration in critical and emerging technologies. Barrow is likely to meet other dignitaries during his ongoing visit.

  • Ajit Doval, Indonesia minister Mohammed Mahfud Mahmodin to address ulema meeting

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Indonesian security affairs minister Mohammed Mahfud Mahmodin on Tuesday will address a meeting of ulema, or Muslim scholars, convened to focus on countering radicalisation and extremism. The Indonesian leader, known as Mahfud MD, will attend this and other meetings which includes talks on security cooperation with Doval.  Mahfud MD is expected to meet the External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

    Mahfud MD, who holds the official position of coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, is heading a 25-member delegation that includes senior Muslim scholars of Indonesia and representatives of other faiths such as Catholicism and Hinduism.

    The day-long dialogue on the role of ulema in fostering interfaith peace and social harmony in India and Indonesia is being hosted by the India Islamic Cultural Centre in line with a proposal made by Mahfud MD when Doval visited Jakarta in March for the second bilateral security dialogue.

    Countering radicalisation is a shared concern for India and Indonesia and when the ulema meet on Tuesday, the focus will be on creating common grounds and narratives that can benefit both countries. Both sides also have an interest in presenting the “softer and peaceful” face of Islam, the people said.Doval will deliver the opening address at the meeting and Mahfud MD will give the keynote address.

    They will also speak at the concluding session. The ulema will participate in three closed sessions on the themes ‘Islam: Continuity and change’, ‘Harmonising interfaith society’ and ‘Countering radicalisation and extremism in India and Indonesia’.

    Besides the dialogue between the Muslim scholars, the Indonesian ulema will meet Indian leaders of other faiths. The dialogue intends to bring together scholars who can take forward cooperation to promote tolerance and peaceful co-existence and counter violent extremism, the people said.

    NEW DELHI: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Indonesian security affairs minister Mohammed Mahfud Mahmodin on Tuesday will address a meeting of ulema, or Muslim scholars, convened to focus on countering radicalisation and extremism. The Indonesian leader, known as Mahfud MD, will attend this and other meetings which includes talks on security cooperation with Doval.  Mahfud MD is expected to meet the External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

    Mahfud MD, who holds the official position of coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, is heading a 25-member delegation that includes senior Muslim scholars of Indonesia and representatives of other faiths such as Catholicism and Hinduism.

    The day-long dialogue on the role of ulema in fostering interfaith peace and social harmony in India and Indonesia is being hosted by the India Islamic Cultural Centre in line with a proposal made by Mahfud MD when Doval visited Jakarta in March for the second bilateral security dialogue.

    Countering radicalisation is a shared concern for India and Indonesia and when the ulema meet on Tuesday, the focus will be on creating common grounds and narratives that can benefit both countries. Both sides also have an interest in presenting the “softer and peaceful” face of Islam, the people said.
    Doval will deliver the opening address at the meeting and Mahfud MD will give the keynote address.

    They will also speak at the concluding session. The ulema will participate in three closed sessions on the themes ‘Islam: Continuity and change’, ‘Harmonising interfaith society’ and ‘Countering radicalisation and extremism in India and Indonesia’.

    Besides the dialogue between the Muslim scholars, the Indonesian ulema will meet Indian leaders of other faiths. The dialogue intends to bring together scholars who can take forward cooperation to promote tolerance and peaceful co-existence and counter violent extremism, the people said.

  • Have to inculcate belief in everyone that each Indian is safe here: NSA Doval on religious animosity

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Saturday said some people try to create animosity in the name of religion and ideology, which affects the entire country and everyone, especially religious leaders, will have to work together to counter this.

    Doval also said efforts are required to clear misunderstandings and make all the religious bodies in the country feel that they are an integral part of it.

    The NSA made these remarks in the presence of religious leaders at an interfaith conference organised by the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC) at the Constitution Club here.

    “Some people try to create animosity in the name of religion, which adversely affects the entire country and also has ramifications internationally. We cannot be a mute spectator to this. To counter religious animosity, we have to work together and make every religious body feel a part of India. In this, we sail and sink together,” he said.

    At the conference, religious leaders under the aegis of AISSC passed a resolution to “ban organisations like the Popular Front of India (PFI)” and other such fronts that have been “indulging in anti-national activities”.

    The resolution also said targeting any god, goddess or prophet during discussions or debate by anyone should be condemned and dealt with in accordance with law.

    Doval said there is a need to reach out to everyone, include them in the fight against radical forces and tell them that there is no place for hatred and agitation against any religion in India.

    “There is a need to create an emotion that we will not let the unity of the country be compromised. We have to inculcate a belief in everyone’s heart that each Indian is safe here. We have to be organised, we have to raise our voice and rectify the mistakes,” he said.

    Doval told the religious leaders that they have to play a major role in improving the atmosphere in the country.

    “Every religion has contributed to the growth of the country. We have to think what kind of India we will give to our future generations. You (religious leaders) have bigger responsibilities to shoulder,” he said.

    The aim of the conference was to have discussions among the representatives of different faiths about the “growing religious intolerance” in India.

    The resolution passed by the conference proposed to create a new body, inclusive of all faiths, to spread the message of peace, harmony and fight against radical forces.

    “Organisations like the PFI and any other such fronts, who have been indulging in anti-national activities, pursuing a divisive agenda and creating discord amongst our citizens, must be banned and action should be initiated against them as per the law of the land,” the resolution read.

    NEW DELHI: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Saturday said some people try to create animosity in the name of religion and ideology, which affects the entire country and everyone, especially religious leaders, will have to work together to counter this.

    Doval also said efforts are required to clear misunderstandings and make all the religious bodies in the country feel that they are an integral part of it.

    The NSA made these remarks in the presence of religious leaders at an interfaith conference organised by the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC) at the Constitution Club here.

    “Some people try to create animosity in the name of religion, which adversely affects the entire country and also has ramifications internationally. We cannot be a mute spectator to this. To counter religious animosity, we have to work together and make every religious body feel a part of India. In this, we sail and sink together,” he said.

    At the conference, religious leaders under the aegis of AISSC passed a resolution to “ban organisations like the Popular Front of India (PFI)” and other such fronts that have been “indulging in anti-national activities”.

    The resolution also said targeting any god, goddess or prophet during discussions or debate by anyone should be condemned and dealt with in accordance with law.

    Doval said there is a need to reach out to everyone, include them in the fight against radical forces and tell them that there is no place for hatred and agitation against any religion in India.

    “There is a need to create an emotion that we will not let the unity of the country be compromised. We have to inculcate a belief in everyone’s heart that each Indian is safe here. We have to be organised, we have to raise our voice and rectify the mistakes,” he said.

    Doval told the religious leaders that they have to play a major role in improving the atmosphere in the country.

    “Every religion has contributed to the growth of the country. We have to think what kind of India we will give to our future generations. You (religious leaders) have bigger responsibilities to shoulder,” he said.

    The aim of the conference was to have discussions among the representatives of different faiths about the “growing religious intolerance” in India.

    The resolution passed by the conference proposed to create a new body, inclusive of all faiths, to spread the message of peace, harmony and fight against radical forces.

    “Organisations like the PFI and any other such fronts, who have been indulging in anti-national activities, pursuing a divisive agenda and creating discord amongst our citizens, must be banned and action should be initiated against them as per the law of the land,” the resolution read.

  • No question of rollback of Agnipath scheme: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: There was no question of a rollback of the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval asserted on Tuesday. In an interview to a news agency, Doval said that India has one of the youngest populations in the world and it cannot continue to have an army with a high average age.

    There were people who just wanted conflict in society to discredit the government, Doval added. On what will happen to the Agniveers after four years, the NSA said, “When recruits from the first batch of Agniveers retire, India will be 5-trillion-dollar economy; industry will need people who have age on their side. These men and women will still be young and won’t have family compulsions.”

    ALSO READ| Protests should be peaceful: Pankaj Tripathi on anti-Agnipath demonstrations

    On the controversy over Nupur Sharma’s remark on Prophet Mohammed, Doval said it had dented India’s reputation internationally. “It has (damaged India’s reputation), in the sense that India has been projected or some disinformation has been spread which is far from the reality. There is a need for us to engage them…Wherever we have engaged with the concerned people, both outside and inside, we have been able to convince them,” the NSA said.

    Talking about the border standoff with China, he said, “We have made our intentions very clear to China and they are aware we will not tolerate any transgression.”

  • Remarks do not reflect views of government: MEA on controversial comments on Prophet

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Iranian foreign ministry has removed from an official readout some portions relating to Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s conversation with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the issue of controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad.

    The visiting Iranian foreign minister and the NSA held talks on Wednesday covering a wide range of issues including trade, connectivity, counter-terror cooperation and the situation in Afghanistan.

    The Iranian readout on Abdollahian’s talks with Doval said the foreign minister raised the issue of the controversy triggered by the comments on Prophet Mohammad and that he was satisfied by the NSA’s response.

    Asked at a media briefing about the readout including comments attributed to Doval that wrongdoers will be dealt with in a way that is a lesson for others, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said he would not like to comment on the conversation between Doval and Abdollahian.

    At the same time, he said: “My understanding is that what you are referring to in a readout has been pulled down. Even if it is I do not want to get into what was said or not.” The revised readout on the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s website only carries a brief paragraph on the issue as against long references to it in the previous statement.

    It said the NSA reiterated the respect of the Indian government and officials for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and that the matter will be “treated as a lesson for others.” The earlier statement had elaborate details on the issue.

    “Pleased to meet PM Modi, FM Jaishankar & other Indian officials to advance our bilateral strategic dialogue. Tehran & New Delhi agree on the need to respect divine religions & Islamic sanctities & to avoid divisive statements,” Abdollahian tweeted on Wednesday.

    Asked whether the Iranian foreign minister raised the issue of controversial remarks on the Prophet in his talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Bagchi suggested that it was not brought up. “My understanding was that this issue was not raised during that conversation,” he said.

    On the strong reaction to the comments by the Arab world, Bagchi said the government has made it clear that the remarks do not reflect the views of the government. “We have made it pretty clear that tweets and comments do not reflect views of government,” Bagchi said at a media briefing.

    “This has been conveyed to our interlocutors as also the fact that action has been taken by the concerned quarters against those who made the comments and tweets. I really do not think I have anything additional to say on this,” he said.

    The BJP on Sunday suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma and the party’s Delhi unit media head Naveen Jindal for allegedly making derogatory comments.

    Abdollahian’s visit to India came days after Iran joined Kuwait and Qatar in summoning the Indian ambassadors over the remarks by Sharma and Jindal.

    Since then, several countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Jordan, Bahrain, Maldives, Malaysia, Oman, Iraq and Libya denounced the comments.

    Asked about reports that India has asked its ambassadors to reach out to authorities in their respective countries of postings to apprise them on the issue, Bagchi said the envoys regularly brief their interlocutors on issues and concerns of the day. “They are also in regular touch with the headquarters,” he said.

    Asked whether Jaishankar and Abdollahian discussed the issue of crude oil, Bagchi did not give a direct reply. He, however, referred to Jaishankar’s public remarks earlier where he highlighted the absence of oil from Iran and Venezuela and said it has made it more difficult for India to meet its energy security needs.

    The crisis in Ukraine and the situation in Afghanistan were among the key issues that figured in the talks Abdollahian had with Jaishankar.

  • Early and complete disengagement in Ladakh necessary for India-China ties: Doval to Wang Yi

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: In talks with Chinese FM Wang Yi, NSA Ajit Doval on Friday called for early and complete disengagement in remaining areas in eastern Ladakh, as per sources.

    He also pressed for ensuring that actions do not violate spirit of equal and mutual security, while resolving outstanding issues as quickly as possible.

    Doval also told Wang restoration of peace in border areas will help build trust, create enabling environment for progress in ties.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday also held wide-ranging talks with his Chinese counterpart.

    Ahead of the talks, Jaishankar tweeted, “Greeted Chinese FM Wang Yi at Hyderabad House. Our discussions commence shortly.”

    There had been no official announcement or word on the visit.

    “Greeted Chinese FM Wang Yi at Hyderabad House.

    Our discussions commence shortly,” Jaishankar tweeted in the first official comment by India on the Chinese foreign minister’s trip.

    Ahead of talks with Jaishankar, Wang met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

    There was no official comment on the meeting.

    The border issue is understood to have figured prominently in the meeting as both Wang and Doval have been serving as Special Representatives (SR) for boundary talks between the two countries.

    Doval and Wang held a lengthy telephonic conversation in July 2020 and the talks focused on bringing down tension in eastern Ladakh.

    Jaishankar and Wang have met in Moscow and Tajik capital Dushanbe on the sidelines of multilateral events in the last one-and-a-half years.

    But this is the first high-level visit between India and China after their ties came under severe strain following the border standoff in eastern Ladakh nearly two years ago.

    Ahead of the visit, India criticised Wang over his remarks on Kashmir at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Pakistan.

    For China, it is learnt, the visit is more to do with the geopolitical turmoil in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine than bilateral ties.

    However, the Indian side is unlikely to shift focus from the eastern Ladakh row.

    it is expected to press for complete disengagement of troops from all the friction points in the region for resumption of normal bilateral ties.

    India and China have been holding high-level military talks to resolve the face-off in the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.

    Both sides withdrew troops already from some of the friction points following the talks.

    On March 11, India and China held the 15th round of high-level military dialogue to resolve the pending issues in the eastern Ladakh region.

    However, there was no forward movement in the talks which were aimed at resolving the remaining issues.

    In September 2020, Jaishankar and Wang held extensive talks in Moscow on the sidelines of a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during which they reached a five-point agreement to resolve the eastern Ladakh border row.

    The pact included quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC.

    The two foreign ministers had held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of another SCO meeting in Dushanbe in July last year with a focus on the border row.

    They again met in Dushanbe in September.

    India has been consistently maintaining that peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is key for the overall development of the bilateral ties.

    Recently, Wang said some forces have always sought to stoke tensions between China and India, an apparent reference to the US.

    The eastern Ladakh border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas.

    Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

    As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.

    Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector.

  • ‘You’re responsible not only for 130 crore humans but also 32 lakh sq km’: Doval to IPS probationers

    By Express News Service

    HYDERABAD: “It is not only 130 crore human beings, but also 32 lakh sq km of land and the managing of the 15,000 km long border for which you are responsible. The border has got peculiar problems of its own. Whether it’s the border with Pakistan, China, Myanmar or Bangladesh, we have got different types of security-related issues, which are addressed by the central police organisations,” said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, while addressing IPS probationers of the 73rd batch during the Dikshant Parade at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad on Friday.

    “Your responsibilities will include not only policing for which you have been trained well. You are not only required to enforce the rule of law in civil society, you are also supposed to protect and maintain order in the length and breadth of this country, in the 32 lakh sq km of land,” he said. 

    An alumnus of the SVP NPA, trained here 52 years ago, Doval said that the quintessence of democracy does not lie in the ballot box but in the laws made by the people who are elected through those ballot boxes. “You are the ones who are the enforcers of those laws. Laws are not as good as they are made. Laws are as good as they are implemented and executed and the service that the people are able to get out of it. If you fail to enforce them in the letter and spirit in which they were made they are as bad or as good as they were made.” 

    “So, the success of democracy and enforcement of the laws given by the people through their elected representatives lies in the efficiency, commitment, values, attitude and the performance on the ground of the police forces. Their implementation is more important than their legislation. No nation can be built if the rule of law has failed. People cannot feel safe and secure if law enforcers are weak, corrupt and partisan. I found that many of these values were enshrined in the oath you just took. Enforce the law with that spirit,” Doval advised the trainees. 

    Speaking about the new frontiers of war — what is known as fourth generation war — he said, “Wars have ceased to become an effective instrument for achieving political or military objectives. They are too expensive and unaffordable and at the same time, there is uncertainty about their outcome. But it is the civil society that can be subverted, that can be divided, that can be manipulated to hurt the interest of a nation.” 

    He went on to add, “And you are there to see that they stand fully protected. So, the service of the people is the greatest service not only from the point of view of nation-building, but also from the point of view of national security. And police have to work closely with other organizations for which they require a mental attitude that together we are going to work together and serve this nation.” 

    He said technology is another frontier which they have to excel in and he is sure that with some of the country’s very specialised organisations having state of the art technologies for the service of the nation, police officers will be able to upgrade their technological capabilities. These are all vital elements in nation-building, Doval said, stressing the importance of technology.

    Calling on the officers to think about the future and find their solutions today, Doval said, “Wherever you go, you will find a lot of talk about reforms. Reforms are learning from the past and not making the same mistakes. I want the younger generations to not only be thinking of reforms. You have got to be transformative and bring about the change in the force and in your capabilities keeping in view the coming challenges.”

    This academy has trained 5700 officers since 1948, many of whom excelled, bringing laurels and honour to the service and the nation. They were great names and were a source of inspiration, serving in state and central forces in nation-building, said Doval.

    “They lead about 21 lakh brave men and women — the strength of the police forces in the states and Centre — and 35,480 of those bravehearts, under their leadership have sacrificed their lives. We would also like to remember those 40 martyred IPS officers who like you and me passed out from this academy. All of them played a seminal role in nation-building and you have a great role ahead,” added Doval remembering those who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

    He also urged the officers not to forget that “You are for India and India is for you. Every other identity gets subsumed in this Indian identity. The interest of India should be supreme and the constitution of India and the values, traditions that this our family represents.”

    Earlier, after reviewing the parade commanded by Darpan Ahluwalia of the Punjab cadre, Director Atul Karwal presented the training report and Doval distributed trophies to the winners.

  • Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism: Delhi dialogue on Afghanistan crisis

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Top security czars of India, Russia, Iran and five central Asian countries on Wednesday pledged to work for ensuring that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for global terrorism and called for the formation of an open and truly inclusive government in Kabul.

    At the end of an India-hosted security dialogue on Afghanistan, the security officials came out with a declaration reaffirming that Afghan territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist activities.

    The Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan voiced concern over the deteriorating socio-economic and humanitarian situation in that country and underlined the need to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

    The security officials also said that humanitarian assistance should be provided in an unimpeded, direct and assured manner to Afghanistan and that the assistance is distributed within the country in a non-discriminatory manner across all sections of Afghan society.

    The central Asian countries that attended the dialogue are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

    In his opening remarks, NSA Ajit Doval said the recent developments in that country have important implications not only for Afghan people but also for the region.

    The declaration said the officials reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan while emphasising the respect for sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs.

    It said they also expressed deep concern over the suffering of the Afghan people arising from the security situation in Afghanistan and condemned the terrorist attacks in Kunduz, Kandahar and Kabul.

    They specifically emphasised that Afghan territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist acts.

    ALSO READ | Taliban expresses optimism about regional meet on Afghanistan hosted by India

    The declaration said the officials condemned in the strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their firm commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms including its financing.

    It also referred to the need for dismantling terrorist infrastructure and countering radicalisation to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for global terrorism.

    The officials also called for collective cooperation against the menace of radicalisation, extremism, separatism and drug trafficking in the region.

    They stressed the necessity of forming an open and truly inclusive government that represents the will of all the people of Afghanistan and has representation from all sections of their society, including major ethnopolitical forces in the country.

    The declaration said the inclusion of all sections of the society in the administrative and political structure is imperative for the successful national reconciliation process in the country.

    Recalling the relevant UN resolutions on Afghanistan, the participants noted that the UN has a central role to play in that country and that its continued presence there must be preserved.

    The officials also emphasised the importance of ensuring that the fundamental rights of women, children and minority communities are not violated.

    In his comments, Doval said it is time for closer consultations, greater cooperation and coordination among the regional countries to deal with the challenges emanating from Afghanistan.

    “We all have been keenly watching the developments in that country.

    These have important implications not only for the people of Afghanistan but also for its neighbours and the region,” Doval said.

    “This is the time for close consultation amongst us, greater cooperation and interaction and coordination among the regional countries,” he said.

    India invited China and Pakistan too but both the countries decided not to attend it.

  • ‘Keenly watching all the developments’: Doval amid Afghan minister’s visit to Pakistan

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The recent developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for the people of that country but also for its neighbours and the region, NSA Ajit Doval said on Wednesday at an eight-nation dialogue hosted by India on the Afghan crisis.

    Chairing the meet, Doval in his opening remarks said it is time to have close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination among the regional countries on the Afghan situation.

    The Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan is being attended by security czars of Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

    India is hosting the dialogue to firm up a common approach for practical cooperation in confronting increasing threats of terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.

    “We are meeting today to discuss matters relating to Afghanistan. We all have been keenly watching the developments in that country,” Doval said.

    “These have important implications not only for the people of Afghanistan but also for its neighbours and the region,” he said.

    The NSA hoped that the deliberations will be productive.

    “This is a time for close consultations amongst us,” he said.

    “I am confident that our deliberations will be productive, useful and will contribute to help the people in Afghanistan and enhance our collective security,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, would visit Pakistan on Wednesday, his first visit to the country, as part of efforts by the two sides to reset their ties in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, it was announced here on Tuesday.

    The visit is taking place as a follow-up to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s visit to Kabul on October 21 and Pakistan remains committed to supporting a peaceful, stable, sovereign, prosperous and connected Afghanistan, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

    It said that Muttaqi will lead a high-level ministerial delegation to Pakistan from November 10-12.

    “The exchanges will centre on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations with a particular focus inter alia on enhanced trade, facilitation of transit trade, cross-border movement, land and aviation links, people-to-people contacts, and regional connectivity,” according to the FO.

    In view of the prevalent situation, Pakistan has been urging the international community to urgently provide humanitarian assistance and economic support to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people.

    For its part, Pakistan is extending humanitarian and economic assistance to the people of Afghanistan, the FO said.

    Pakistan has been trying to convince the world to diplomatically engage with the Taliban after they seized control on Kabul on August 15.

    However, the international community is still sceptical about the hardline Islamists, especially on issues like terrorism emanating from the war-torn country and their promises to respect human rights.

    Afghanistan has been under Taliban rule since August 15 when the Afghan militant group ousted the elected government of President Ashraf Ghani and forced him to flee the country and take refuge in the UAE.

  • Warfare areas have shifted from territorial frontier to civil society: Ajit Doval

    By PTI

    PUNE: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday said the new areas of warfare have shifted from territorial frontiers to civil societies, adding that factors like people’s health, their sense of wellbeing and security, and their perception of government impact the will of a nation.

    Speaking on ‘National security preparedness in the age of disasters and pandemics’, at the Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS) 2021 organized by Pune International Centre here, Doval said disasters and pandemics cannot be tackled in isolation.

    “You are all aware of the changes taking place in the global security landscape. Wars are increasingly becoming cost ineffective instruments of achieving the nation’s political and military objectives. The new areas of warfare have shifted from merely territorial frontiers to civil societies. The common people’s thinking, their perception, health, sense of well-being and their perception of their government have assumed new importance,” Doval said.

    All these elements cumulatively impact the will of the nation, he added.

    Protecting people from false and motivated propaganda also becomes “absolutely necessary” in the age of information revolution, Doval said.

    National security planning needs to factor in all these challenges and strategies to maximum international cooperation, he added.

    The coronavirus pandemic and devastating natural disasters have the potential to impact the collective psyche of the people, their economic well-being, and instill fears about their survival, Doval said.

    “It generates social imbalance that can threaten the political stability, economic growth, and even the capacity of a nation to resolutely meet its external and internal threats,” he said.

    These new genres of security threats present multi-level dilemma on a massive scale, he said.

    At the micro-level, they include saving individual lives, providing medical care and supporting people, ensuring the supplies of food and essential commodities, and maintaining law and order, he added.

    The issues include finding effective preventive and curative medicines and administering them to combat the ever-evolving new strains of viruses, and ensuring smooth supply chains, he said.