There is a need to ensure that proscribed terrorist entities do not get any support, India said

Terrorism continues to pose a serious threat to Afghanistan and the region, India reiterated on Wednesday.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), India’s Permanent Representative to UN Ambassador TS Tirumurti called for an inclusive dispensation which represents all sections of the Afghan society.

“We need to see concrete progress in ensuring that proscribed terrorist entities do not get any support, tacit or direct, either from Afghan soil or from the terrorist sanctuaries based in the region,” he argued.

“India calls for an inclusive dispensation in Afghanistan which represents all sections of the Afghan society. A broad based, inclusive and representative formation is necessary for internal legitimacy,” the Indian envoy to UN added.

“When Council decides on the future of the UNAMA mandate in March this year, its focus needs to be centered on welfare, well-being and expectations of the Afghan people,” he noted.

According to Ambassador Tirumurti, India shares concerns of the international community on providing immediate humanitarian assistance, ensuring formation of a truly inclusive and representative government, combating terrorism and drug trafficking and preserving the rights of women, children and the minorities.

“India’s approach to Afghanistan has always been guided by its historical friendship with its people,” he stated.

“Our special relationship with the Afghan people and the guidance spelt out in UNSC Resolution 2593 would continue to guide India’s approach to Afghanistan,” the Indian Ambassador to UN said.

India has committed to provide 50,000 MT of wheat and lifesaving medicines and one million doses of COVID vaccines to the Afghan people, he told the Council.
“We joined other Council Members in supporting resolution 2615 in order to provide humanitarian assistance for the people of Afghanistan,” Ambassador Tirumurti said.

There was a need to ensure that the Security Council exercises its oversight to guard against any possible diversion of funds and misuse of exemptions from sanctions, he added.

Humanitarian assistance should be based on principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence, India’s Ambassador to UN mentioned. Disbursement of aid should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political belief, he added.

As Afghanistan’s largest regional development partner, India is willing to coordinate with other stakeholders for expeditious provision of much needed humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, Tirumurti further said.