India is urging the global community to take immediate action against UN-designated terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). They are accused of exploiting Afghan territory for their operations. This joint effort comes at a critical time as Afghanistan continues to face immense challenges.
On Wednesday, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, underscored the importance of coordinated international response. The ambassador made this statement during the UN Security Council meeting concerning Afghanistan.
Who and What: Key Players and Issues
According to Harish, both LeT and JeM, headquartered in Pakistan, are utilizing Afghan territory to conduct their terror activities. He stressed that these groups, along with their facilitators, must be monitored closely by the international community.
“The international community must coordinate efforts towards ensuring that entities and individuals designated by the UN Security Council, including those with ties to ISIL and Al Qaeda, are contained,” he stated.
When and Where: Recent Developments in Afghanistan
India’s call for action comes against a backdrop of ongoing instability in Afghanistan. Recent events have highlighted the need for peace and security in the region.
Harish pointed out that India maintains a significant interest in the stability of Afghanistan, due to their longstanding civilizational ties. Through its engagement in various international forums, including UN meetings, India is actively working towards fostering peace and development in Afghanistan.
Why: The Need for a New Approach
Harish emphasized that a coherent policy must combine incentives for positive behavior and disincentives for harmful actions.
Focusing exclusively on punitive measures may not yield the desired results, he warned. “Afghanistan needs a fresh approach with hitherto unused policy instruments to support its people,” he stated.
He reiterated that the current “business as usual” approach only perpetuates the existing conditions, which do not meet the expectations of the international community or the hopes of the Afghan people.
Humanitarian Assistance: India’s Commitment
In support of humanitarian efforts, India has taken swift action following the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. Harish mentioned that India was among the first to provide aid, delivering 1,000 family tents along with 15 tonnes of food supplies.
Further donations included 21 tonnes of relief materials consisting of essential medicines, hygiene kits, and other supplies. “More relief supplies are on the way,” he assured, highlighting India’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid.
India’s assistance has extended beyond immediate relief. Since the Taliban took control in August 2021, India has provided significant support, including 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, and various essential items.
Capacity Building Initiatives and Development Projects
India’s efforts are not limited to humanitarian aid; the country is also focusing on capacity-building initiatives tailored for the Afghan people. With over 500 development partnership projects active across all provinces, India emphasizes its dedication to Afghanistan’s reconstruction.
“Our commitment to meeting the developmental needs of the Afghan people is non-negotiable,” Harish stated, emphasizing the significance of these efforts in stabilizing the war-torn nation.
India is determined to collaborate with various stakeholders to support the efforts of the international community towards achieving a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan.
