Let me at the outset, thank you for organizing today's debate in the General Assembly on the 'Situation in Afghanistan'.  I would like to commend the delegation of Germany for coordinating the inter-Governmental negotiations that has led to the finalization of this annual General Assembly Resolution, expected to be adopted by consensus.  As in the past, India is a co-sponsor of this resolution.

 

2. We are happy that Afghanistan's historic political transition remains on course.  This is a strong reflection of the patience, forbearance, courage and democratic aspirations of the people of Afghanistan.  India is proud to call itself Afghanistan's first strategic partner, and stands ready to do whatever is within its capacity and means to work with the Afghan Government and its people, to realise our common ambition.  We share the Afghan people's desire for strong, independent, united and prosperous Afghanistan.  We were happy to host Afghanistan's National Security Advisor as well as Afghanistan's Deputy Foreign Minister in recent weeks to discuss issues of mutual interest.

 

3. Our main concern remains that of the security situation in Afghanistan.  The latest UN Secretary-General's report substantiates our view that it is terrorism,  not insurgency and not tribal differences or ethnic rivalries, which is the main source of insecurity and instability in Afghanistan.  What is alarming is the revelation in recent reports, including the UNSG's report, regarding linkages of intra-terrorist  violence between the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its affiliates with the Taliban.  Also disturbing is the statement in paragraph 19 of the Secretary-General's latest report that the majority of alleged ISIL affiliated fighters appear to be drawn from disaffected former members of the Afghan Taliban, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or groups previously associated with Al-Qaeda.  The recent attacks in Beirut, Syria and Paris all point towards rising extremism and the extension of the arc of terrorism.  We urge the Security Council to act against this threat to international peace and security with a sense of urgency and within a defined time-frame.  

 

 

4. With the increasing spurt of terrorist attacks in different parts of the world and its ongoing activity in Afghanistan, my delegation is of the view that there is a strong case for the international community to take a fresh look at the manner in which the drawdown of the international military presence in Afghanistan is happening. The patterns of violence in Afghanistan are mutating and terrorists are not only attempting to grab territory, but also injecting sectarianism in an already complex situation. At this stage, it is important for the Security Council, which has passed several resolutions to counter terrorism that are binding on all member states, to look at ways to paralyse the these terrorist organizations.  The first step the Council should undertake is to strengthen the Council's Sanctions Regime structure,in order to effectively impose and implement the restrictions placed on the listed terrorist organizations, so as to deny them sanctuaries and safe haven.

 

 

5. We have taken note of the various steps taken by the Government of Afghanistan under the leadership of President Ghani to launch a peace process in Afghanistan.  We have also taken note of paragraph 22 of the UNSG's report, in which it is mentioned that the attacks in Kabul, which coincided with the emergence of a new Taliban leadership in early August, led President Ghani to call for urgent action by Pakistan against the Taliban, in particular to prevent use of its territory to prepare Taliban operations. President Ghani has also called for effective and verifiable action against the Haqqani network.

 

6. We support a truly Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process within the framework of the Afghan Constitution and the internationally accepted red lines.  

 

 

7. Afghanistan is faced with huge development challenges and in view of the fragile security situation it is important for Afghanistan to have a supportive, stable political environment for growth and development.  The international community has recently adopted the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which provides a platform for our collective fight for a sustainable world without poverty and hunger.  The people of Afghanistan cannot be left behind in our commitment to implement Agenda 2030. A special responsibility, in this context, lies on the Security Council to ensure that the threats to international peace and security related to the situation in Afghanistan are dealt with on a priority basis, so that Agenda 2030 can be effectively implemented in Afghanistan. 

 

8. Afghanistan will be able to achieve its optimal economic potential only if it is allowed freedom of transit to major markets in South Asia. We regret that this freedom continues to be denied to Afghanistan.  India has opened its markets to all Afghan exports, and is willing to receive Afghan trucks on its territory.  India remains committed to greater regional integration, and is open to join and support all such regional initiatives, including the expansion of the Afghan Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement.  

 

 

9. In conclusion, India sincerely hopes that the huge efforts of the Afghan people and the international community over more than a decade for a successful political transition will provide a solid base for Afghanistan's stability in the future.  India will stand by the people and Government of Afghanistan in all their endeavours. We reiterate our support to the efforts of the international community leading to a peaceful, prosperous and stable Afghanistan.