UNSC Open Briefing on

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)

[17 November 2021; 1500 hours]

INDIA STATEMENT 

by 

Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative 

Mr. President,

I thank the Special Representative Ms. Deborah Lyons for her briefing. In particular, I would like to express my delegation’s appreciation for the work done by UNAMA in these challenging times. I also thank Ms. Freshta Karim, Director of Charmaghz, for her insights. 

2. Afghanistan has already seen much bloodshed and violence in recent years. We also heard from the SRSG today about the dire situation in Afghanistan. Further, according to the FAO, over half of Afghanistan’s population is facing crisis or emergency levels of acute food insecurity, and urgent humanitarian assistance is required to meet the basic food needs of the people. 

Mr. President,

3. Over the last two decades, India has contributed significantly to the development of Afghanistan. Indian development projects have been undertaken in every critical area of socio-economic development including power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building.  Even as we speak, India continues to grant educational scholarships to thousands of Afghan women and men to continue their education in India. India has undertaken more than 500 development projects covering all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. We have also extended humanitarian assistance through the delivery of 75,000 MT of wheat and essential medical supplies and COVID vaccines last year to Afghanistan. India is once again ready to deliver urgent humanitarian aid consisting of food grains and medicines to the people of Afghanistan. India remains steadfast in its commitment towards humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. 

4. In this context, India has supported the call of the international community that access to humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan should be direct and without any hindrance. Humanitarian assistance should be based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence and disbursement of the aid should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political belief. In particular, the assistance should reach the most vulnerable first – including women, children and minorities.

5. We call on the international community and countries in the region to come together, rising above partisan interests. As the largest regional development partner of Afghanistan, India is willing to coordinate with other stakeholders to work towards enabling expeditious provision of much needed assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

Mr. President,

6. Terrorism continues to pose a serious threat to Afghanistan and to the region. In fact, this Council itself has come together, on several occasions since August, to pronounce in one voice where places of religious worship, including those used by religious and ethnic minorities, and other public places such as hospitals, have been targeted by terrorists.  Security Council Resolution 2593 clearly sets out boundaries outlining the international community’s expectations on a range of critical and immediate issues. The Resolution lays down the requirements in terms of the fight against terrorism, where it has noted the commitment of the Taliban not to allow the use of the Afghan soil for terrorism, including from terrorists and terrorist groups designated under Resolution 1267.

7. Resolution 2593 also laid down the expectations of the international community in terms of an inclusive, negotiated political settlement with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and minorities and diverse political-ethnic groups in the country, the importance of upholding human rights including those of women, children and minorities, and the requirement to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. One of our immediate priorities is to evacuate stranded people, as well as ensure their free movement so that they are allowed to travel in and out of Afghanistan. 

Mr. President, 

8. The situation in Afghanistan continues to be a cause of pressing concern. As its immediate neighbour and a long-standing friend of its people, the current situation has direct implications for India. 

9. In this context, India recently held the Third Regional Security Dialogue of National Security Advisors on Afghanistan on November 10^th, with the participation of regional partners. The “Delhi Declaration on Afghanistan” adopted at this meeting, reflects the much-needed regional consensus on Afghanistan. The international community and key stakeholders including from Afghanistan have welcomed the Delhi Declaration on Afghanistan.

10. India calls for an inclusive dispensation in Afghanistan which represents all sections of Afghan society. A broad based, inclusive and representative formation would gain greater international acceptability and legitimacy.

11. Today, it is more necessary than ever that the international community speak with one voice on Afghanistan. Resolution 2596, requires the Secretary General to report to the Security Council on strategic and operational recommendations for the mandate of UNAMA, in the light of recent political, security and social developments. We believe this report should contain holistic recommendations from a strategic perspective. 

12. When the Council decides on the future of the UNAMA mandate in March 2022 its focus needs to be centered on the welfare, well-being and expectations of the Afghan people.

I thank you, Mr. President.

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