‘Afghanistan is an important issue concerning us all’, says NSA Doval

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday strongly pitched making countering terror financing a priority for India and other countries in the region.

While addressing the inaugural meeting of “National Security Advisers/Secretaries of Security Councils” Doval said, “Afghanistan is an important issue concerning us all. India’s concerns and objectives …and immediate priority and the way forward, are similar to many of those around the table.”

Doval said this with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan

While raising the concerns about the presence of terrorist networks in Afghanistan Doval stated, “Persistence of terrorist networks in the region, including in Afghanistan is also a matter of deep concern. Financing is the lifeblood of terrorism and countering terrorism should be an equal priority for all of us.”

Meanwhile, to fulfill obligations enshrined in relevant counter-terror conventions Doval asked central Asian countries to call on all UN members.

Earlier in January 2022 formed the basis of today’s meeting. At a time of great churn in international relations and uncertainty about the future, said Doval.

“Today’s meeting assumes importance, as it provides us an opportunity to discuss matters which require greater cooperation and coordination amongst the regional countries,” Doval added.

However, with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Central Asian countries, this first India-Central Asia coincided.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Asian Leaders at the summit discussed taking India-Central Asia relations to new heights.

Furthermore, to prepare the groundwork for the Summit meetings they agreed on regular meetings of Foreign Ministers, Trade Ministers, Culture Ministers, and Secretaries of the Security Council.