Thank you Madam President.

I also thank the SRSG Rosa Otunbayeva and the civil society briefer for their briefing.

As a contiguous neighbour and long-standing partner of Afghanistan, as well as given our strong historical and civilizational linkages to the Afghan people, India has direct stakes in ensuring the return of peace and stability to the country and we continue to monitor the developments in Afghanistan.

In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the urgent appeals by UN agencies, India has delivered 40,000 MTs of wheat, 150 tons of medical aid consisting of medicines, vaccines and other medical items.

Recently, we have also supplied 500 units of winter clothing and more than 5000 units of stationary items for the students of Habibia School in Kabul. India has also partnered with UNODC in its humanitarian efforts and has supplied 1100 units of female hygiene kits and blankets for the UNODC female rehabilitation centers across Afghanistan.

I am happy to announce that this month we have started the shipment of 20000 MTs of wheat assistance in partnership with UNWFP through Chabahar Port. And as we speak, the first tranche consisting of 2500 MTs of wheat has already been handed over to the WFP warehouse at Herat for further internal distribution and the next tranche of another 2500 MTs is en-route via Chabahar Port.

Excellencies, we believe that it is important to have international consensus on issues related to Afghanistan.

Our collective approach has been articulated in Security Council’s resolution 2593. Broadly speaking, our common and immediate priorities include providing humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people, formation of inclusive and representative government structure, combating terrorism and drug trafficking and preserving the rights of women, children, and minorities.

India appreciates and supports the work being done by the UN in Afghanistan. We have already partnered with several UN agencies on ground and continue to do so for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan. We are ready to work with the Secretary General in his efforts to find progress in the situation.

In closing, I would like to reiterate once again that Afghanistan will continue to remain in our hearts and India will continue to speak out in support of the Afghan people. Peace and stability in Afghanistan are critical imperatives that all of us need to collectively strive for.

I thank you.