Multilateral Security Dialogue on Afghanistan

• 09 Feb 2023

For Prelims: National Security Advisor, Multilateral Security Dialogue on Afghanistan, UN Security Council resolution 2593, Terrorism, Chabahar port.

For Mains: Significance of Afghanistan for India, India-Afghanistan Relations.

Why in News?

Recently, the National Security Advisor(NSG) addressed a Multilateral Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in Moscow.

• The discussion revolved around issues related to Afghanistan, including security and humanitarian challenges and was attended by representatives from various countries including Russia, China, and Iran.

What are Key Highlights of the Dialogue?

• NSG emphasized that no country should be allowed to use Afghan territory for exporting terrorism and that India will always support the people of Afghanistan in their time of need.
• NSG also spoke about the importance of UN Security Council resolution 2593 that calls for denying sanctuary to terror outfits in the region.

How is India’s Relations with Afghanistan?

• About:
  • India and Afghanistan have had close historical, cultural, and economic ties for centuries.
  • The relationship between the two countries has undergone significant changes in the post-9/11 era, with India playing an increasingly active role in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan.
• Political Relations:
  • India has been a strong supporter of Afghan democracy and has consistently advocated for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan.
    • But India is still yet to recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and has been advocating for the formation of an inclusive government in Kabul.
  • Also, India re-established its diplomatic presence in Kabul in June 2022.
• Humanitarian Assistance:
  • India has been providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including 40,000 metric tonnes of wheat, 60 tonnes of medicines, 5,00,000 Covid vaccines, winter clothing, and 28 tonnes of disaster relief.
  • India has also granted scholarships to 2,260 Afghan students, including 300 girls, over the past two years.
• Economic Relations:
  • India has undertaken more than 400 key infrastructure projects in all 34 Afghan provinces and has signed strategic agreements to enhance trade and bilateral relations.
    • From 2002 to 2021, India spent USD 4 billion in development assistance in Afghanistan, building high-visibility projects such as highways, hospitals, the parliament building, rural schools, and electricity transmission lines.

• Connectivity:
  • India has been working towards building regional connectivity with Afghanistan by developing the Chabahar port and providing access to markets in the region.

What is the Significance of Afghanistan for India?

• Geopolitical Location: Afghanistan is located at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, and its stability and security have a direct impact on India's interests in the region.
  • Afghanistan serves as a bridge between South and Central Asia and is critical for India's pursuit of regional connectivity and economic integration.
• Countering Terrorism:
  • Afghanistan has been a hotbed of terrorism, with various terrorist groups operating from its territory.
    • India has a direct interest in ensuring that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for terrorists who threaten its security.
• Strategic Interests:
  • Afghanistan is important to India's strategic interests as it is located at the heart of the historic Silk Road.
    • India's presence in Afghanistan helps to counterbalance the influence of Pakistan and China in the region.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following countries: (2022)

1. Azerbaijan
2. Kyrgyzstan
3. Tajikistan
4. Turkmenistan
5. Uzbekistan

Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan?

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 3, 4 and 5 only 
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (c)

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Mains

Q. The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests. (2013)

Source: TH