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NSAs meet in Delhi for talks on Afghanistan crisis
India’s NSA Ajit Doval chaired the eight-nation dialogue on the Afghanistan crisis in Delhi on Wednesday and said the recent developments in the country hold important implications for neighboring and regional countries.
In his address to his regional counterparts, Doval said: “It is a privilege for India to host this dialogue today. We have been keenly watching the developments in Afghanistan. These have important implications not only for the people of Afghanistan but also for its neighbors and the region.”
Doval also said that this is the time for close consultations amongst the participating nations and that greater cooperation and interaction is needed.
“I’m confident that our deliberations will be productive, useful, and will contribute to helping people of Afghanistan and enhance our collective security,” he said.
NSAs of Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are attending the high-level meeting but China and Pakistan both excused themselves.
Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran in turn called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to establish an inclusive government, represented by all ethnic groups.
Turkmenistan’s Charymyrat Kakalyyevvich Amavov said that this meeting will provide the opportunity for cooperation in the region, while Uzbekistan’s Victor Makhmudov acknowledged Afghanistan is facing a crisis.
Tajikistan’s Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda pointed to his country’s “long border with Afghanistan” and raised concerns about cross-border drug trafficking and the humanitarian crisis.
Russia’s Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation called for “restoration of long-lasting peace”.
Kyrgyzstan’s Marat Mukanovich Imankulov, raised the issue of the threat of terrorism and said help needs to be extended to Afghanistan.
Kazakhstan’s Karim Massimov, Chairman of the Kazak National Security Committee raised the issue of the fast deteriorating socio-economic situation in the country.
As host, India chose not to invite the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), since none of the participating countries have so far officially recognized Afghanistan’s new government, although some countries, including Russia and Iran, still have an active embassy presence in the country, Indian media reports stated.
Absence of Pakistan, China
Having skipped both previous meetings because of India’s presence, Pakistan was unlikely to have attended this one, especially in light of the current state of bilateral relations, Indian media reported.
Although China had attended both previous meetings due to its own security concerns originating from Afghanistan, its absence now sends out a signal that it doesn’t want to associate with any process led by India, the Indian Express reported.
According to the report Beijing has engaged with the IEA leadership, before and after the fall of Kabul, something New Delhi has watched closely, given China’s proximity to Pakistan and potential to emerge as the IEA’s new financiers.
China’s leverage at the UN Security Council is something that the IEA will be banking on, Indian media reports stated.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake’s epicenter was reported in Jurm district of Badakhshan province, with a depth of 208.3 kilometers.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the tremor.
Shahabuddin Delawar, Head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, says Afghanistan has achieved security, unified governance, brotherhood, and progress for the first time in 47 years under the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
Speaking at a meeting in Kabul on Saturday, Delawar said Afghanistan had lacked a unified system over the past four decades, but added that with the return of the Islamic Emirate, the issue has now been resolved.
Referring to Ashura commemorations held on Friday, he said the occasion was observed peacefully across the country under full security.
Delawar also urged exiled Afghan politicians to return, saying the commission was established to serve Afghans and address the concerns of returning figures. He added that any legal disputes involving returnees would be handled exclusively through the commission.
He further said the Islamic Emirate has expanded treatment centers and intensified anti-narcotics efforts since regaining power, claiming this has led to a significant decline in drug addiction.
Addressing the issue of international legitimacy, Delawar said he understood why the United States has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, arguing that Washington suffered a defeat in Afghanistan that it cannot easily overlook.
“They have suffered a major defeat that they cannot forget; if they recognize us, they will face questions from their own people,” Delawar said.
The European Union says it is implementing hundreds of millions of euros in projects to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Afghanistan and help expand economic opportunities across the country.
Speaking to Ariana News, EU Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul, Veronika Boskovic Pohar, said the programs are aimed at creating jobs for skilled workers, women, youth, and returnees, while also strengthening the private sector. She added that alongside international support, Afghan authorities also have a role in facilitating economic growth.
According to Pohar, the EU is currently implementing projects worth €156 million focused on livelihoods, durable solutions, job creation, and women’s economic empowerment. She said an additional €40 million program specifically designed to support returnees will be launched in the near future.
She noted that the EU is gradually shifting its focus from emergency humanitarian aid toward long-term sustainable solutions, particularly for internally displaced people and returnees in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the United Nations, marking World Day of Small and Medium Enterprises, said SMEs account for more than 90 percent of businesses worldwide and play a critical role in employment and economic growth.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stressed that stronger investment, innovation, and sustainable industrial development are essential to help businesses withstand economic challenges and build resilient economies.
Afghan private sector representatives and economic analysts say greater support for SMEs could help the country address economic challenges faster, increase employment, and promote sustainable long-term development.
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