At the two official meetings between the Indian and Afghan sides on the sidelines of the ‘Moscow Format meeting’, the Taliban said that India offered extensive humanitarian assistance to the Afghans.
In Russia, the Indian delegation led by Joint Secretary JP Singh, PAI (Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran Division), and the Taliban delegation led by Deputy PM Maulavi Abdul Salam Hanafi met on the sidelines of the ‘Moscow Format’ meet, in the Taliban controlled Afghanistan. It was stated by the Taliban that both sides took into account each other’s “concern”.
In a statement Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s spokesperson said, “Meeting with Mr. JP Singh, Special Representative of India for and the accompanying delegation. Both sides consider it necessary to take into account each other’s concerns and improve diplomatic and economic relations. The Indian side finally expressed readiness to provide extensive humanitarian assistance to the Afghans”.
Afghanistan’s inclusive government and the validity of using Afghan territory against India for terrorist activities have been a source of concern for India. New Delhi has been contemplating how much to engage the current leadership, yet in the joint statement of the Moscow Format, the participating nations agreed to provide “humanitarian assistance” to Afghanistan.
