India is deeply concerned at the upsurge in violence in Afghanistan

Eliminating terrorists and their safe havens is imperative for peace and stability in Afghanistan, India categorically told US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad- led American delegation during a meeting on Thursday.

“It was emphasised that putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries is necessary for enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council, Lisa Curtis, and the US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan had called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Thursday.

US Special Representative, Khalilzad provided and update on the US peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan.

“The US side recognized India's constructive contribution in economic development, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. They laid importance to India's crucial and continuing role in sustainable peace, security and stability in Afghanistan,” the MEA statement said.

EAM Jaishankar and NSA Doval reiterated India's continued support for strengthening peace, security, unity, democratic and inclusive polity and protection of rights of all sections of the Afghan society, including Afghan Hindus and Sikhs.

“India is deeply concerned at the upsurge in violence and supports the call for immediate ceasefire and need to assist the people of Afghanistan in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic,” the MEA maintained.

India remains engaged in extending humanitarian food and medical supplies to Afghanistan to deal with the situation created by coronavirus.