Taliban talks | In touch with ‘various stakeholders’, says MEA
The Hindu
Ministry does not deny direct contact with group.
India is in contact with “various stakeholders” in Afghanistan, the Ministry of External Affairs said, in response to specific questions about whether the government has opened direct talks with the Taliban. While the MEA did not confirm the talks, which would represent a major shift for Indian policy, it did not deny recent reports that indicated that Indian security officials have exchanged messages with several “nationalist” Taliban factions, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a member of the Rehbari Shura, or leadership council, that includes Pakistan-based Taliban accused of terrorism. “We are in touch with various stakeholders in pursuance of our long-term commitment towards development and reconstruction of Afghanistan,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, speaking to journalists on Thursday, where he referred to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s participation at the inaugural ceremony of the Intra-Afghan talks with Taliban leaders in Doha last year.More Related News
Karnataka’s Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women on State-run buses, will turn one on June 11. Though the scheme has empowered women’s travel, the lack of adequate number of buses and poor connectivity are key concerns. Darshan Devaiah B.P. explores various locales to gauge the scheme’s impact Statewide
The bail granted by the Andhra Pradesh High Court ahead of counting of votes (June 4) to then YSRCP legislator from Macherla and contestant from the same constituency Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy has been extended by a week, beginning June 6, sources in the Police Department have said, adding that the case would be heard next week.