India is set to participate in the 6th round of Moscow Format talks on Afghanistan this Friday. The meeting aims to renew engagement with the Taliban, represented by acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. As global attention shifts toward the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, India remains focused on preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists, particularly those affiliated with UN-proscribed groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The Moscow Format dialogue, initiated in 2017, will feature special envoys from Central Asian nations, along with representatives from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, and India. Key topics on India’s agenda include addressing the humanitarian situation, establishing an inclusive and representative government, combating terrorism, and ensuring regional security.
Ahead of the talks, Suhail Shaheen, head of the political office of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, expressed that the Moscow Format should facilitate positive communication between Afghanistan and the international community rather than act as a tool for pressure. The Taliban is under scrutiny to restore women’s rights and form an inclusive government, but they have asserted that they do not wish to adopt "external models of governance."
Shaheen also noted the potential of the Moscow Format to address pressing issues in Afghanistan, such as the removal of sanctions, poverty reduction, job creation, and enhancing engagement with the international community.
India’s representative, JP Singh, joint secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Muttaqi and other Taliban officials during the meeting. Although India has not officially recognized the Taliban, it has established a working relationship with the regime in Kabul, primarily due to its humanitarian efforts to support the Afghan people. An Indian technical team has been maintaining operations at the embassy in Kabul to oversee the distribution of aid, easing initial concerns about the Taliban's return.
Interestingly, while a recent UN report highlighted serious threats from terrorist groups in Afghanistan, the Taliban has accused Pakistan of harboring key members of the Islamic State-Khorasan group. A Taliban spokesperson stated that attacks are being orchestrated from Pakistani bases, targeting both Afghanistan and other countries. India interprets these remarks as confirmation of its longstanding concerns regarding Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism.
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