National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval participated in the meeting of NSAs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday. During the meeting, he reiterated India's commitment to strengthening ties with SCO member states, which have historical roots spanning several centuries. Doval condemned the recent terror attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow and emphasized the need for swift and effective action against perpetrators of terrorism, including those involved in cross-border terrorist activities.
Addressing the security conclave of the SCO, Doval highlighted the persistent threat posed by various terror groups in the SCO region, such as Al Qaeda, ISIS, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Muhammad, as designated by the UNSC. He underscored the importance of countering the use of technology by terrorists, including drones, for smuggling weapons and drugs across borders. India expressed support for enhancing cooperation within the RATS-SCO framework to combat terror financing.
Doval expressed deep concern about the security situation in Afghanistan, emphasizing India's legitimate security and economic interests in the country as a neighboring nation. He emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance, inclusive government formation, counter-terrorism efforts, and the protection of the rights of women, children, and minorities in Afghanistan.
India has invested significantly in Afghanistan, providing humanitarian aid and assistance to combat the locust menace. Doval conveyed India's support for Kazakhstan's initiatives within the SCO and expressed India's commitment to further deepening its relationship with the SCO and its member states. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a SECURE SCO, focusing on Security, Economic Cooperation, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, and environmental protection.
