NEW DELHI — With threats that may emanate from Afghanistan, Russia has said they are concerned about the same and anticipate that Pakistan will bring stability and peace.
It has been reported that Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan’s Secret Service, and its military play a role in government formation in Kabul and fight against resistance forces in Panjshir.
Pakistan is also reportedly providing air support to Taliban forces in Panjshir.
Faiz Hameed, the chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence, was recently seen in Kabul, where he held parleys with the top leadership of the Taliban.
Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said he is not aware of developments but anticipates Pakistan to bring stability and peace.
“I am not aware of the situation. Naturally, the dangers emanating from the civil conflict of Afghanistan are enormous,” he said.
“Thus, we anticipate that Pakistan will be among one to contribute to predictability, stability in Afghanistan, to avoid possible civil conflict, and to secure the environment when Afghanistan ceases to be the hotbed of terrorism in Central and South Asia.”
Taliban said it has taken over control of Panjshir. However, the claim was denied by the resistance forces.
The Russian Ambassador said that his country is concerned about the threat of civilian conflict in Afghanistan.
“We don’t want soil of Afghanistan should be used as a source of terrorism,” said Kudashev.
“These are the fundamental values that bring Russia and India together. I don’t see much of the difference in our position as Ambassador to India.”
India and Russia share a common concern on terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. India has already expressed its concerns over the unfolding situation in Afghanistan. It has stepped up vigilance and security because of any effect in Kashmir.
“As far as a phenomenon of terror is concerned, I do share my concerns with India,” Kudashev said.
“There is a danger of terror emanating and spread to Russian territory and territory of Kashmir may be. This is a matter of common concern, and this is a matter of congenial dialogue between Russia and India within multiple frameworks, the framework of bilateral counter-terror working groups.”
India is concerned that leaders of the infamous Haqqani may find a key position in the new power structure of Afghanistan. The network has deep linkages with India-centric terror organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and also shares links with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant — Khorasan Province. Haqaanis also share good equations with the Pakistan spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence.
Russia is a critical player in the region and has not shut its embassy in Kabul. Most countries, including the United States, have wrapped up their missions in the city.
In recognition to Taliban, Russia and India share similar positions and are on the same page.
The envoy said it is too early to recognize the Taliban and noted no rush to acknowledge it.
Kudashev said the new Taliban dispensation should prove that it is a responsible government, that it can build an inclusive government, that its ability to look after every minority, every region of Afghanistan.
India said that it will wait and watch before recognizing the Taliban.
“We must give Afghanistan people some creative solutions that are better than what terrorists offer,” said the Russian envoy.
“Let’s offer solutions better, more promising, and more attractive than terrorists do. If you want to offer sources of income, let’s offer the development programs. If you want to offer a connectivity solution, let these solutions be better than terrorists do.”
India and Russia are holding regular consultations at the level of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the foreign ministry level.
“We are in close touch bilaterally, regionally, Shanghai Cooperation Association, in Afghanistan contact group, within BRICS, within G20, multiple forums,” said Kudashev. “Russia and India are global powers. This issue will figure in every format. I have already said I’m not an ambassador to Afghanistan. I’m an ambassador to India.”
“What is that we need in Afghanistan — security, predictability, inclusive government that satisfies Afghan people’s needs. Whether we are concerned with the resurrection of terrorism, yes, we are (on the) same (page) as you do. What is it can we do? We could face this threat and do our best to prevent it and (make) situation in and around Afghanistan inclusive.”
He said that Afghanistan’s people need time to introspect, they need time to recuperate, they need some time to celebrate and rest, give them some time and give them a ray of hope.
(With inputs from ANI)
Edited by Saptak Datta and Ritaban Misra
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