UN Security Council Briefing on Afghanistan

[Wednesday 18 September 2024]

Statement by Ambassador P. Harish, Permanent Representative

Thank you, Madam President,

I thank you for convening this very important meeting. We appreciate the briefing by SRSG Otunbayeva and thank her for updating the Council on the recent developments. We also heard very carefully the views and very useful insights of UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous as also those of the civil society briefer Ms. Mina.

India has civilizational ties with the people of Afghanistan as its contiguous neighbour. These historical people to people exchanges have forged unbreakable bonds of a special relationship. This is the basis of our contemporary engagement with Afghanistan.

Madam President,

India is closely monitoring the situation in Afghanistan and has been actively engaged in regional and international efforts to maintain stability and peace in Afghanistan. Our participation in the UN meetings in Doha, the Moscow Format and other fora are a reflection of our efforts to secure peace and stability in Afghanistan. India has also joined the two UNAMA Working Groups on counter-narcotics and enabling private sector in Afghanistan.

This Council through its resolution 2593 (2021) had demanded that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country and had reiterated the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan. This continues to guide the International community’s approach to combat this menace. The resolution’s call on all donors and international humanitarian actors to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan should continue to remain a shared global priority.

India has been working with various UN Agencies for providing assistance to the Afghan people in areas of health, food security, education, counter narcotics, sports and capacity building. Since 2001, India has been committed towards rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan. Our development partnership includes more than 500 projects spread across all provinces in Afghanistan. Since August 2021, we have delivered 27 tons of relief material, 50,000 MT of wheat, 40,000 litres of pesticides and more than 300 tons of medicines and medical accessories apart from the 1.5 million doses of COVID vaccines during the pandemic.

India has continued scholarship schemes for Afghan students and since August 2021, has granted fresh admissions to 2260 Afghan students including 300 girls. 3000 Afghan students are pursuing education in India while almost 1000 are doing so in the online mode.

The signing of the contract to develop the Chabahar port between India and Iran is a long term arrangement. It’s a visible expression of our intent towards growth of bilateral trade and commerce that can also serve the requirements of connectivity of Afghanistan.

In conclusion, Madam President, let me reaffirm India’s steadfast commitment to the friendly people of Afghanistan. India looks forward to continue working closely with all stakeholders and will leave no stone unturned in the global community’s efforts towards supporting the Afghan society in their quest for peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Thank you.

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