Atmar wants India to play bigger role in Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): With a legitimate interest in peace and stability in the region, India should play a much larger role in Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Haneef Atmar says.

Following talks with Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Atmar said the Afghan government would discuss important subjects with the Taliban next month.

At a UN-led conference in Turkey, he told reporters in New Delhi, a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire; a political and regional and international peace guarantees would be taken up with the Taliban.

Jaishankar will take part in the Heart of Asia — Istanbul Process — meeting in Dushanbe on Afghanistan. India will also attend a UN-led meeting of regional actors.

The Times of India quoted Atmar as telling reporters in New Delhi that the Ghani administration had not been moved by the US proposal for an interim government. Such a set-up would be a violation of the Afghan constitution, he argued.

Atmar and Doval conferred on the Afghan peace plan and ways of making Doha negotiations a success. The plan is expected to ensure peace and strengthen Afghanistan’s role as a bridge for connectivity and cooperation among regional countries.

PAN Monitor/mud

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