We expect Afghan territory should not be used for sheltering, training and financing terror acts, says India

India also voiced concern about increasing attempts towards removing women from public life in Afghanistan

India has said it expects that the territory of Afghanistan should not be used for sheltering, training or financing of terror acts, specifically terrorist individuals and entities proscribed by the UN Security Council.

“As a contiguous neighbour and long-standing partner of Afghanistan, and given our strong historical and civilisational linkages to the Afghan people, India has direct stakes in ensuring the return of peace and stability to the country,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said on March 8.

Speaking at the Security Council briefing on United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Ms. Kamboj said the collective approach of the international community has been articulated in the Security Council Resolution 2593 of August 2021, which was adopted under India’s Presidency of the UNSC.

“In accordance with the Resolution, we expect that the territory of Afghanistan should not be used for sheltering, training, planning, or financing terrorist acts, specifically terrorist individuals and entities proscribed by the UN Security Council,” she said, adding that it also means acting against drug trafficking.

The resolution also outlines the need for the formation of a truly inclusive and representative government structure, which represents all sections of the Afghan society, respects the rights of all Afghans, and ensures equal rights for women, girls, and members of minority groups, including their access to education.

India also voiced concern about increasing attempts towards removing women from public life in Afghanistan and called for women and minorities to be included in Afghanistan’s future and their rights to be fully respected.

Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and head of UNAMA told the Council that “Afghanistan under the Taliban remains the most repressive country in the world regarding women’s rights, and it has been distressing to witness their methodical, deliberate, and systematic efforts to push Afghan women and girls out of the public sphere.”