Russia has stepped up efforts to reach out to all key stakeholders in war-torn Afghanistan to stop the violence as the Taliban continues its offensive in Afghanistan.
Russia decided to convene a crucial meet on the fast-evolving situation in Afghanistan. The participating countries in the meet included Pakistan, China, and the U.S.
The “extended Troika” meeting is scheduled to be held in Qatar on August 11. Talks under the format had earlier taken place on March 18 and April 30.
Russia has also been holding the “Moscow Format” of talks to bring peace and creating conditions for the process of national reconciliation in Afghanistan.
The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on July 2021 stated that Russia will continue to work with India and other countries which can influence the situation in Afghanistan.
There was contemplation that India may be included in the upcoming “extended Troika” following the Foreign Minister’s comment.
“We will continue working with the Americans in the extended Troika format as well as with all other countries that can influence the situation in Afghanistan, including our partners from Central Asia, India, Iran, and the US,” he had told reporters.
“We have a Moscow format that includes all the main players,” Mr. Lavrov had said.
Afghan Ambassador to India Farid Mamundzay described as a positive development the decision to hold a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on August 6th to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.
India’s ambassador to the UN TS Tirumurti announced that the UN Security Council will meet on Friday under Indian Presidency to discuss and take stock of the situation in Afghanistan.
“Convening an emergency UN Security Council Session on Afghanistan is a positive development. UN & the international community must play a greater role to stop the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan due to violence & atrocities by terrorists. Thank you India for the lead role as UNSC President,” Mr. Mamundzay tweeted.
India holds the presidency of the UNSC for August.
Amid the surging violence in Afghanistan, the US has already pulled back the majority of its forces.
India has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process that is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled.
Being a major stakeholder in the peace and stability in Afghanistan, India has already invested near about USD 3 billion in the re-construction activity in the war-ravaged country Afghanistan.
However, India is yet to comment on the upcoming “extended Troika” meeting which will be convened by Russia.
