Categories: World

China and India’s interests do not clash in Afghanistan-Afghan envoy

<p>
Ahead of triangular talks among China, Afghanistan and Pakistan on Thursday to discuss the fallout of US withdrawal, an Afghan diplomat has nudged India and China to seek common ground during his country’s ongoing transition. </p>
<p>
Afghanistan’s envoy to China, Javid Ahmad Qaem, told Chinese media ahead of the troika talks that “it is important for New Delhi and Beijing to build trust over Kabul regardless of other issues”.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read:</strong>  <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/latest-news/absent-from-meetings-for-a-year-is-taliban-supremo-haibatullah-akhundzada-still-alive-91904.html">Absent from meetings for a year, is Taliban Supremo Haibatullah Akhundzada still alive?</a></p>
<p>
He added: “Afghanistan as a stable country is in favour of countries such as the US, China and India,” according to the Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times.  “It is more important how we and Pakistan can build trust, and how China and India can build trust regarding Afghanistan regardless of other issues. It is about peace in the whole region.”</p>
<p>
Discussions during the troika meeting are expected to focus on “the Afghan peace and reconciliation process, practical cooperation, counterterrorism and security cooperation and new uncertainties in the wake of the unilateral withdrawal of US troops at a critical stage” of the reconciliation process</p>
<p>
Chinese state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi will chair the meet to be attended by counterparts Shah Mahmood Qureshi from Pakistan and Mohammad Haneef Atmar from Afghanistan, the Chinese foreign ministry announced on Wednesday.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read:</strong>  <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/afghanistan-leadership-s-war-of-words-with-pakistan-escalates-amid-pullout-of-us-troops-91877.html">Afghanistan leadership’s war of words with Pakistan escalates amid pullout of US troops</a></p>
<p>
While India is not part of this troika, it is clear that with the US exit from Afghanistan, the role of regional countries, including India, Pakistan, China, Iran, Russia and Central Asian republics, is crucial. In the last two decades, their role has largely been limited to reconstruction and development activities as the security responsibilities were taken by the US and NATO. Other than the two, only Pakistan has been involved indirectly in security issues due to its deep “linkages” with the Taliban.</p>
<p>
Afghans consider China and India to be their traditional friends and trustworthy neighbours.  </p>
<p>
While international pressure on Pakistan to get the Taliban back on the negotiating table grows, the Chinese side is wary of the Taliban coming to power. In May the Chinese foreign minister Wang had said China hoped to see a “moderate muslim” leadership in Afghanistan in the future and has assured the country of help in strengthening its anti-terrorism capacities. China fears that a radicalised Afghanistan can become both a sanctuary and a springboard for launching Uyghur insurgents into the mainland.</p>

Mrityunjoy Kumar Jha

Mrityunjoy Kumar Jha has decades of field experience in covering global terrorism, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. He is also an enthusiastic wildlife photographer.

Recent Posts

All visa applications treated on merit basis, MEA on US visa issues for Indian nationals

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken note of the new guidelines issued by…

14 hours ago

“India’s concern on terrorism was not acceptable to one country’: MEA on Rajnath Singh refusal to sign SCO joint statement

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said India refused to sign the joint declaration…

14 hours ago

India evacuated 3,426 Indian nationals from Iran, 818 from Israel in Operation Sindhu: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India, so far have evacuated…

15 hours ago

Axiom-4 piloted by Group Captain Shukla docks successfully at International Space Station

Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station…

16 hours ago

First Kashmiri-Kannada film ‘Harmukh’ captivates audience in Srinagar

In a significant moment for regional cinema and cultural dialogue, the premiere of 'Harmukh', the…

17 hours ago

“Language is the soul of a nation, not just a medium of communication,” says Union Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that languages were not just a medium…

18 hours ago