NSA Ajit Doval will host security czars of Russia, Iran and five central Asian countries for a security dialogue on Afghanistan today. The meeting will explore a common approach for practical cooperation in confronting increasing threats of terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul.
Prior to the meet, Doval had held separate bilateral talks with his counterparts from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan with a focus on developments in Afghanistan, including the possible threat of terrorism from Afghan soil and the looming humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country, according to reports. In the talks between Doval and Victor Makhmudov, the secretary of the security council of Uzbekistan, the two sides felt that the legitimacy of any Afghan government within Afghanistan was important before the issue of its international recognition. They also highlighted the need for the long-term economic development of that country.
According to reports, China was invited for the 'Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan', but it has already communicated that it would be unable to attend the conclave because of scheduling issues while Pakistan too decided to skip it.
Doval will also hold bilateral talks with his counterparts, including those from Russia and Iran.
According to reports, all the participating countries have a "very high degree of convergence" on the security implications of the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan and the focus of the dialogue will be to have cooperation on practical terms to deal with the challenge. Dealing with the challenges of terrorism, radicalisation, drug trafficking, cross-border movement of people and threats emanating from military weapons left behind by US forces will be discussed at length at the dialogue.
The security officials are expected to deliberate on cross-border movement of people from Afghanistan as well as the threat emerging from the military equipment and weapons left behind by the US forces in that country.
