Center “India Takes Stand Against Military Presence in Afghanistan: Joint Statement with Russia and Pakistan”

India, Russia, and Pakistan have signed a joint statement after a meeting in Moscow regarding Afghanistan. The statement deems the military infrastructure facilities built by other nations in Afghanistan as “unacceptable.” While Russia and Pakistan believe this refers to the US, India sees it as targeting Pakistan’s military presence in the region. The joint statement emphasizes that the placement of such facilities by third countries in Afghanistan and nearby states is unacceptable. This statement was issued following the meeting hosted by Russia on November 16, attended by China, Iran, Central Asian neighbors of Afghanistan, and other invitees.

Furthermore, the participants in the meeting expressed their conviction that the forces responsible for the 20-year military presence in Afghanistan should bear the main financial burden for the post-conflict reconstruction without interfering in the country’s internal affairs. While most delegations agreed to compensate for the damage caused during the years of US presence, India may have abstained from this call.

The statement also highlighted the importance of ensuring the basic rights and freedoms of the Afghan population under the Taliban regime. It emphasized support for the rights of all ethnic groups, minorities, women, and children, ensuring equal access to justice and education.

Additionally, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, unified, sovereign, independent, and economically developing Afghanistan free from terrorism and drug trafficking. They called on Afghanistan to fulfill its commitments to eradicate terrorism and drug trafficking from its territory and take visible steps against terrorist organizations.

The statement also stressed the need for a truly inclusive government in Afghanistan representing all major ethno-political groups. It underlined the importance of practical engagement with Afghanistan and the potential consequences of an economic meltdown leading to mass refugee exodus, extremism, terrorism, and instability.

The participants commended Afghanistan’s neighboring countries for hosting millions of Afghan refugees and emphasized the importance of a safe, dignified, and well-resourced repatriation process. India has established a team at its embassy in Kabul for this purpose.