India Emphasizes Peace-Focused Policy in Afghanistan Amid Regional Tensions
India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the country’s policy towards Afghanistan centers on supporting peace, stability, and the continuation of development cooperation. In a press conference, Randeep Goyal emphasized that New Delhi seeks to strengthen stabilizing processes in Afghanistan and the region, and will continue its partnerships across various sectors.
He made these remarks in response to a question about potential changes in international policies, including UN sanctions against the Taliban administration. According to Goyal, India’s approach is based on constructive engagement and helping to improve the situation of the Afghan people.
The spokesperson also referred to the historical ties between the two neighbors, noting that Afghanistan and India, as neighboring countries with longstanding cultural and civilizational links, have enduring relations. New Delhi aims to expand peace and stability in Afghanistan and throughout the region.
Furthermore, he announced the continuation of India’s developmental cooperation in Afghanistan, which encompasses areas such as food security, provision of medicines and health services, education, scholarship programs, and social empowerment initiatives—programs that benefit various segments of society, including women and children.
This comes amid earlier claims by Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, who alleged that India’s objectives in Afghanistan, even under the guise of humanitarian aid or development projects, ultimately aim to destabilize Pakistan. Indian officials have so far denied these accusations, emphasizing the developmental nature of their cooperation with Afghanistan.
