External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, while calling for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire to ensure reduction in violence in Afghanistan, said that terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries must be dismantled immediately for enduring peace in the war-torn country.
During the UNSC debate on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the Minister stated that there needs to be zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terror acts. He said it is equally important to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten or attack any other country and those providing material and financial support to terrorist entities must be held accountable.
“For enduring peace in Afghanistan, terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries must be dismantled immediately and terrorist supply chains disrupted. There needs to be zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including its cross-border one. We, as an international community, must ensure that our commitments to Afghanistan, including to its various institutions are maintained,” he said.
The minister said it is important to have unhindered access to the high seas while referring to Afghanistan’s economic development, “The international community should work towards the removal of artificial transit barriers imposed on Afghanistan and ensure full transit rights guaranteed to Afghanistan under bilateral and multilateral transit agreements without any hindrance,” he said.
Referring to the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan issued last week, Jaishankar said that it is clear that the intra-Afghan talks have not resulted in a reduction of violence in Afghanistan and on the contrary, violence has only increased, especially after 1 May.
He said the country has been witnessing targeted attacks on religious and ethnic minorities, girl students, Afghan security forces, Ulemas, women occupying positions of responsibility, journalists, civil rights activists and youth.
“It is, therefore, crucial that the international community and, in particular, this Council presses for a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire to ensure immediate reduction in violence and protection of civilian lives,” Jaishankar said.
He said a durable peace in Afghanistan requires a genuine double peace – That is, peace within Afghanistan and peace around Afghanistan.
“It requires harmonising the interests of all, both within and around that country,” he said.
Jaishankar said India has been supportive of all the efforts being made to accelerate the dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban, including the intra-Afghan negotiations.
“If the peace process is to be successful, then it is necessary to ensure that the negotiating parties continue to engage in good faith, eschew the path to find a military solution, and fully commit towards reaching a political solution. A tangible demonstration of this commitment is required.”
The minister said India welcomes any move towards a genuine political settlement and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan.
The minister said India continues to stand with Afghanistan in ensuring restoration of normalcy through a legitimate democratic process that is essential for the long-term stability of Afghanistan and the region.