Regional Dialogue of Secretaries of Security Councils on Afghanistan

• Recently, the 6th Regional Dialogue of Secretaries of Security Councils/National Security Advisers (NSA) on Afghanistan was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. India reiterated its collective approach to combating terrorism as stated in the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR 2593).

What is the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan?

• The Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan is a series of high-level meetings involving National Security Advisers (NSA) or senior security officials from countries in the region, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, China, Russia, India, and other Central Asian states.
• These dialogues are platforms for discussing and coordinating regional approaches to address security challenges and promote stability in Afghanistan and the broader region.
• Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan follows the objective of UNSCR 2593.

• The resolution, passed by the 15-member organ (UNSC), calls for the prevention of Afghan territory from being used to pose threats or launch attacks against any nation.
• The adoption of the resolution is a strong signal from the Security Council and the international community on its expectations in respect of Afghanistan.
• It underscores the critical necessity of combating terrorism within Afghanistan.

What are India’s Efforts for the People of Afghanistan?

• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has taken significant strides in promoting education, granting admission to over 3,000 students, including 600 Afghan girls, since August 2021.
• In a bid to provide essential support, a Humanitarian Air Corridor has been established between Delhi and Kabul.
• This corridor facilitates critical travel and aid delivery, demonstrating India’s proactive response to humanitarian needs.

• India has supplied several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 50,000 MTs of wheat, 250 tons of medical aid and 28 tons of earthquake relief aid.
• India has partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Afghanistan to provide assistance for the welfare of the Afghan drug user population, especially women.
• Under this partnership, India has, since 2022, supplied 11,000 units of hygiene kits, baby food, blankets, clothing, medical aid and other miscellaneous items to UNODC, Kabul.
• Trade and commerce between India and Afghanistan is ongoing, including through the Chabahar port.

What are the Key Issues Affecting India-Afghanistan Relations?

• Impact on Regional Stability: The drug trade originating from Afghanistan (golden crescent) has been a major contributor to instability and violence in the region, posing challenges for both Afghanistan and neighbouring countries like India.
• Indian Interests and Influence: India’s strategic interests and influence in the region faced a setback following the Taliban’s capture of Kabul in 1996.
• Economic and Infrastructure Hurdles: The fall of Afghanistan in the hands of the Taliban (2021) presented formidable obstacles to India’s endeavours to construct infrastructure like the Salma Dam and Parliament Building and to make investments in the country. These efforts have been impeded by security concerns, corruption, and various other challenges.
• Attack on Indian Nationals: The bombing of a Sikh gurdwara in Kabul claimed by ISIS-K, has raised concerns for India.
• Shift in Security Dynamics: Until August 2021, India relied on a friendly government in Kabul and the security presence of the United States in Afghanistan for its security.
• The US withdrawal from Afghanistan necessitated a careful reassessment of the security landscape by India.

Practice Questions for Prelims

Mains Practice Question

Discuss the significance and challenges of India’s participation in Regional Security Dialogues on Afghanistan, highlighting its implications for regional stability and India’s strategic interests. Analyze the role of such dialogues in shaping India’s approach towards Afghan peace and stability, considering both opportunities and constraints

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