Context: India is finally at the table with five other countries to decide on the roadmap for peace in Afghanistan after six months of hectic behind-the-scenes diplomacy.This mechanism has been suggested by Washington even as Moscow is learnt to have suggested a plan that kept New Delhi out.

Details:

• Sources said that Russian interlocutors — amid growing proximity between Moscow and Beijing — suggested that Russia, China, US, Pakistan and Iran should be at the table.
• This was apparently done at the behest of Pakistan which has never wanted India to be part of any roadmap for the region.
• But New Delhi, for long on the sidelines, reached out to all key players in Afghanistan and other countries to make its way to the negotiating table.
• By being part of the team, New Delhi hopes to have a role in setting the terms — especially concerning terrorism, violence, women’s rights and democratic values.
• India’s refrain has been that it wants an Afghan-led, Afghan-controlled and Afghan-owned process but ground realities have been such that other players have dictated terms.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/russia-india-us-afghan-peace-plan-7220082/

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