MOSCOW TALKS
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Context: India joined the latest meeting of the ‘Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan’ that was held in the Russian capital.
Details:
- The Moscow format — one of the several dialogue platforms on Afghanistan — which began before the Taliban takeover of Kabul, consists of Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and India.
- Joint Secretary in-charge of Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), J.P. Singh, represented India at the talks.
- During the meeting, the participants discussed issues related to Afghanistan, including the current humanitarian situation and the ongoing efforts of various stakeholders to provide assistance, intra-Afghan talks, formation of an inclusive and representative government, efforts to counter threats of terrorism and ensuring regional security.
- The meeting was announced earlier this month by Zamir Kabulov, Special Representative of the President of the Russia for Afghanistan.
- Singh led a humanitarian delegation to Kabul in June when he met leading Taliban figures and handed over large consignments of medicines and medical equipment to the Afghan people.
- Preliminary reports suggest that talks were held without the participation of any Taliban representative.