Russia Advocates for India’s Role in Afghan Quad and India-Pakistan Dialogue

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov advocates for India’s inclusion in the Afghan Quad, urging dialogue between India and Pakistan. He emphasizes cooperation to combat terrorism and highlights India’s support for Afghanistan’s development. The discussions reflect a broader strategy to enhance regional stability amidst historical tensions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has proposed the inclusion of India in the Afghanistan-focused four-country grouping known as the ‘Quad’. The Quad, which includes Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran, aims to stabilize and assist Afghanistan. Lavrov emphasized the importance of India and Pakistan engaging in dialogue to address mutual concerns and collaborate in combating terrorism.

In his remarks in Moscow, Lavrov stated, “For Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran, engaging with India would be the right thing to do in Afghanistan.” This discussion comes on the heels of the Quad’s third meeting, which affirmed support for Afghanistan’s national sovereignty and political independence. India is currently participating in Afghanistan’s reconstruction under the ‘Moscow format’.

Additionally, Lavrov highlighted India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, which includes significant shipments of food, medical supplies, and vaccines to support the Afghan populace. Recently, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, emphasizing India’s commitment to respond to Afghanistan’s urgent developmental needs.

Moreover, Lavrov reiterated the significance of India and Pakistan engaging in dialogue, mentioning the ‘Moscow format’ as a forum for enhancing communication and understanding among the nations. He expressed a desire to facilitate this dialogue, noting, “We would be lending a helping hand doing our best… ” – Source.

On Pakistan’s role, Lavrov acknowledged its historical challenges with terrorism and urged cooperation with India and Afghanistan as part of a broader regional strategy against terrorism. He underscored that Pakistan, having been both victim and target of terrorism, should unite with neighboring countries to combat this issue effectively.

Lastly, Lavrov remarked on Russia-Pakistan relations, indicating significant improvement and progress, describing it as the most positive stage in decades. He stated that fostering this relationship can further regional stability and cooperation.

The recent discussions around India’s potential inclusion in the Afghan ‘Quad’ reflect ongoing efforts to stabilize Afghanistan after years of conflict and instability. The Quad, comprising Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran, seeks to enhance collaboration among these countries while addressing common security threats such as terrorism. Moreover, the historical tensions between India and Pakistan highlight the need for dialogue and cooperation in the region to foster peace and mutual understanding.

In summary, Russia’s push for India’s inclusion in the Afghan Quad indicates an intention to enhance regional stability and cooperation among key players in Afghanistan. By encouraging India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue, Lavrov aims to address longstanding issues and promote a collaborative approach in fighting terrorism. Furthermore, improving Russia-Pakistan relations could lead to greater regional harmony, underscoring the complex dynamics at play in South Asia.

Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com