The Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan was recently convened, attended by National Security Advisors (NSA) from regional countries and headed by the Indian NSA. This is the third meeting in a series, following meetings held in Iran in 2018 and 2019. Looming over the discussions was urgent need for humanitarian aid to the Afghan people and the necessity of close cooperation among the neighbor nations amidst the evolving Afghan scenario.
Attendees and Agenda
Key players in the region, including Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan’s other neighbours, were invited to participate. The main agenda centered on concerns about regional security after the withdrawal of US forces and the takeover by the Taliban in Afghanistan. There is fear that terrorism may spread from Afghan territory.
The Delhi Declaration Outcomes
The outcomes from the Dialogue were encapsulated in the ‘Delhi Declaration’. It strongly reiterated backing for a peaceful, stable Afghanistan, emphasising respect for its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and non-interference in its internal matters. At the core, it stood united against terrorism, urging member states to ensure Afghanistan doesn’t become a global terrorism sanctuary.
Further, it emphasised the protection of basic rights – of women, children, and minority communities in particular. Aid should be dispensed without discrimination, covering all segments of Afghan society. Collective action against radicalisation, extremism, separatism, and drug trafficking was called for, with the United Nations (UN) playing a central role. The dialogue acknowledged various UN resolutions, especially UN Resolution 2593, which stresses the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.
Reaction from Regional Countries
Reactions from regional countries varied. Russia warned that multiple dialogue platforms might perplex the current situation in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Interestingly, Pakistan and China opted not to participate. Neither the erstwhile Afghan government nor the Taliban were represented. Moreover, the NSAs from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan avoided any reference to ‘terrorism’ in their opening speeches.
Different Frameworks for Afghan Peace Process
Different peace process frameworks exist for Afghanistan. The Troika Plus Meeting, a framework involving the United States, Russia, China, and Pakistan is one. Then, there’s the Moscow Format on Afghanistan, established by Russia in 2017. Its six-party system includes Russia, India, Afghanistan, Iran, China, and Pakistan.
Looking Ahead
A comprehensive solution may only be possible through forming an inclusive government with representation from all ethnic groups. This would necessitate India’s need for Russian support, given Russia’s recent ties with the Taliban, for any direct engagement with the Taliban. A conducive dialogue with China, aimed at reaching a political settlement and lasting stability in Afghanistan is also suggested. Engaging with the Taliban could help India secure assurances from insurgents in return for continued development assistance or other pledges, and explore possibilities of the Taliban’s autonomy from Pakistan.