Delhi Declaration emphasizes joint fight against terror

NEW DELHI (TIP): The Delhi Declaration of Regional National Security Advisers (NSAs) today called for collective cooperation against radicalization, extremism, separatism and drug trafficking in the region.

Meeting for the first time in Delhi, NSAs of eight countries issued a joint declaration that also emphasized that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing by terror acts.

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Hosted by NSA Ajit Doval, the meeting was taking place a day ahead of the “Extended Troika” in Islamabad that would also be attended by Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and new US envoy for Afghanistan Tom West. NSA Ajit Doval has called upon all regional countries to step up consultation and coordination on Afghanistan to enhance collective security. Opening the “Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan”, Doval called for closer coordination among the regional countries since the events in Afghanistan would have important implications for its neighbors and the region.

Doval will be briefed about deliberations at the “Troika Plus” of the US, China, Pakistan and Russia in Islamabad along with Muttaqi when the US Afghan Envoy flies over to India later this week.

The Delhi dialogue especially discussed the security situation in Afghanistan and its regional and global ramifications. The NSAs paid special attention to the current political situation in that country and threats arising from terrorism, radicalization and drug trafficking as well as the need for humanitarian assistance, stated an MEA release. The declaration reaffirmed a firm commitment of all eight participants to combat terrorism and ensure that Afghanistan would never become a safe haven for global terrorism. It also stressed the necessity of an inclusive government that has representation from all sections of their society. It also noted that the UN has a central role to play in Afghanistan and reiterated that humanitarian assistance should be provided in an unimpeded, direct and assured manner. The assistance should be distributed in a non-discriminatory manner, it added.

(With inputs from agencies)