 "India participates in UN's Doha meet on Afghanistan where Taliban makes rare appearance")
India became one of the 25 nations that participated in the third UN-led conference on Afghanistan in Doha which commenced on Sunday. The meeting was touted as a significant one since it was the first time Afghanistan’s Taliban attended talks at an international level.
The international body made it clear beforehand that the Taliban’s participation in the meeting does not mean that the regime is getting international recognition. However, the conference came under immense scrutiny and backlash from women rights activists who raised concerns about the plight of women in Afghanistan.
When it comes to India, the External Affairs Minister visited Doha to meet Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. At the UN meeting, New Delhi was represented by MEA joint secretary of the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran (PAI) division J P Singh, The Times of India reported.
It is pertinent to note that Singh visited Kabul in March of this year and during his visit, he also conducted meetings with the Taliban leaders. However, India is still treading carefully with the Taliban, as it works closely with them for Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs and its own security needs.
Jaishankar makes his trip to Doha more productive
During his day-long visit to Qatar, Jaishankar held talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha. The two conducted meetings on strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors and addressing key regional challenges.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“We reviewed our bilateral relationship focusing on political, trade, investment, energy, technology, culture and people-to-people ties,” the External Affairs Minister wrote in a post on X, formally known as Twitter.
Delighted to meet PM and FM of Qatar @MBA_AlThani_ in Doha this afternoon. Conveyed the greetings and warm wishes of PM @narendramodi to H.H. The Amir and him.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 30, 2024
Reviewed our bilateral relationship focusing on political, trade, investment, energy, technology, culture and people… pic.twitter.com/GXuFYNukx7
In the post, Jaishankar mentioned that the two leaders delved into regional and global issues of mutual concern. “Exchanged views on regional and global issues. Appreciate his sharing insights on the Gaza situation,” he added.
Jaishankar’s visit came months after Narendra Modi visited Qatar on 14-15 February 2024 and held discussions with Qatar’s Amir H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Taliban makes a rare appearance
The Taliban delegation from Afghanistan also participated in the third round of meetings hosted by the UN. “Our participation in this Doha meeting demonstrates that, despite the considerations we have, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is committed to positive engagement,” Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who is the head of the five-member Taliban delegation, said at the opening session.
“We perceive the current Doha meeting as a crucial opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue regarding the unilateral and multilateral sanctions imposed on some officials and our financial and banking sectors, as well as the broader challenges confronting our national economy,” he added.
With inputs from agencies.
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