For the first time since recapturing Afghanistan, the Taliban is participating in a global conference. The UN Afghan Conference, which commenced in Doha on Sunday, aims to find ways to improve the lives of Afghan people living under Taliban rule. Notably, India is among the 25 countries participating in the meet. While the Islamic group has been pulling all stops to get global recognition, the UN has clarified that the discussions are not intended towards it.
The conference has faced strong criticism from rights groups for not including Afghan women and civil society members.
In addition to India, the conference in Doha also includes participation from the EU, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Representing India at the meeting is J P Singh, the Joint Secretary of the Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran (PAI) division in the Ministry of Affairs. Singh, who visited Kabul in March, met with Taliban representatives in the Qatari capital. Notably, India continues to tramp cautiously with the Taliban, balancing its humanitarian and security needs without taking steps that might be seen as official recognition of the regime in Kabul.
At this summit, the Indian government will reportedly emphasize its legitimate economic and security interests in Afghanistan as a contiguous neighbor. India will stress the importance of the international community focusing on combating terrorism, providing humanitarian assistance, forming a truly inclusive government, and preserving the rights of women, girls, and minorities. The focus on girls and women is particularly important as the Taliban continue to deny them access to schools and colleges based on their interpretation of Islamic laws.
Securing its investments in Afghanistan is also a priority for India. The country is working on nearly 500 projects in Afghanistan across all 34 provinces, covering areas such as power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, and agriculture. India has invested more than $3 billion in Afghanistan.
Ensuring that Afghan territory is not used for sheltering terrorists or financing terrorist acts remains at the top of India’s priorities. This is especially relevant concerning terrorists proscribed by the UN Security Council, including those affiliated with Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammed. India aims to reiterate that any instability in Afghanistan poses a threat to the entire region.