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News: At present, the four-day meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure is being organized in Delhi, India.
Importance of the meeting
At present the global attention has been shifted to the Ukraine war, sanctions and their economic impact. Therefore, the US has abandoned Afghanistan to the Taliban. Therefore, SCO’s RAT member countries, including those from Pakistan and China are focussing on Afghanistan.
Situation in Afghanistan
This is a virtual collapse of administrative structures, the local economy, Healthcare facilities etc. Around half of the Afghanistan’s population is facing acute hunger.
The humanitarian and social condition in Afghanistan has become terrible. For example, Girls can’t attend secondary education, women can’t get a driving licence and a job in the market. The Afghan refugees are pouring into neighbouring countries like Iran and Pakistan.
India’s concern
The security situation in Afghanistan affects all SCO members, including India.
The Islamic State and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have stepped up their activities on both sides of the Durand Line.
This jeopardises India’s painstaking investments in Afghanistan over the last two decades.
Pakistan always tries to block Indian moves to work more closely with Tehran to maintain a strategic foothold in the region.
Most of the governments are reluctant to deal with the Taliban. Therefore, there is absence of any concerted global effort to help.
Way Forward
India should help itself by continuing to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan despite the Taliban regime.
In addition, the government should also expedite emergency visas for Afghan nationals.
Source: The post is based on an article “Help Afghans” published in the Times of India on 19th May 2022.
