NSAs' dialogue will help people of Afghanistan, enhance security: Ajit Doval

The Delhi Regional Security Dialogue, involving national security advisers and officials of eight countries, started in Delhi on Wednesday. Officials from India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are taking part in the dialogue, which will focus on the situation in Afghanistan.

The meeting is being chaired by India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. In his introductory remarks, Doval was quoted by ANI as saying, "We have been keenly watching the developments in Afghanistan. These have important implications not only for the people of Afghanistan but also for its neighbours and the region."

Calling for coordination among the eight nations, Doval said, "This is a time for close consultations among us, greater cooperation and interaction and cooperation among the regional countries. I'm confident that our deliberations will be productive, useful and will contribute to help people of Afghanistan and enhance or collective security."

Karim Massimov, the chairman of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, argued it was necessary to increase humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

"The social and economic situation of Afghans is deteriorating and the country is facing humanitarian crisis," Massimov was quoted as saying by ANI.

Rear Admiral Ali Shamkani, secretary of Iran's National Security Council, observed there was a "crisis of migration, refugees in Afghanistan and solution can come with the formation of an inclusive government, and participation of all ethnic groups."

Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda, Secretary, Security Council of Tajikistan, noted that the current situation on the Tajik-Afghan border remained complicated. He said the situation "creates extra risk and possibilities for drug trafficking, terrorism".