Modi, Putin discuss Afghanistan; India flags terror concern at BRICS, UNHRC

Source: The Hindu and Indian Express

About the news:

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed charting out a “coordinated” strategy in Afghanistan.

Similarly, National Security Advisers (NSA) from the five BRICS countries met virtually to discuss developments in Afghanistan with a focus on combating terrorism.

India also expressed its opinion at the 31st special session of the UN Human Rights Council meeting held in Geneva.

Key takeaways from the discussion:

1. India and Russia agreed to set up a “permanent bilateral channel for consultations” on the issues arising from the Taliban takeover.
2. Both the countries agreed on particular areas of concern. Such as, ensuring regional security, countering radicalisation and spread of “terrorist ideology”, and the proliferation of drugs as a consequence of the developments.
3. The two sides also noted the “importance of coordinated efforts” for the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan, ensuring security in the region as a whole

Key takeaways from the virtual meeting of NSA’s of BRICS Countries:

1. The meeting reviewed the regional and global political and security scenario, with particular reference to current developments in Afghanistan, Iran, West Asia and the Gulf, and emerging threats to national security, such as cybersecurity.
2. The representatives “adopted and recommended the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan” for consideration by the upcoming BRICS Summit.
   • India is the chair for the next month’s BRICS Summit.

India at the UNHRC Meeting

The 31st special session of the UN Human Rights Council on the serious human rights concerns and situation in Afghanistan was held in Geneva. During the meeting, India explained the following observations regarding the Taliban in Afghanistan.

1. Stability in Afghanistan is linked to the peace and security of the region. So, India hopes that “the situation in Afghanistan does not pose a challenge to its neighbours and its territory is not used by terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), to threaten any other country”.
2. India also mentioned that Afghanistan “should ensure the safety and security of all Afghan nationals, UN personnel and diplomatic staff members, and observe human rights and international humanitarian law in all circumstances”.
3. India “stands ready to assist our friends from Afghanistan in fulfilling their aspirations”.

Significance of UNHRC meeting

1. India did not name or condemn the hardline movement in its statement at the UNHRC.
2. This is the clearest that the Indian government has so far been mentioned its position ever since the Taliban started ruling Afghanistan.

Read more regarding the recent developments in Afghanistan: 

1. The script of the new endgame in Afghanistan
2. Return of Taliban has implications for India
3. New Delhi’s Af-Pak: Old friends versus old foes: Should India accept Taliban, betray Afghans or support resistance movements like Saleh’s?
4. History over Geography