The Taliban held talks with India in Doha to discuss the ongoing situation in the war-torn nation, just a day after US troops formally left Afghanistan at midnight on August 30-31.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that it was not aware of any invitation sent by the Taliban for government formation in Afghanistan.
During the weekly press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said, “We are not aware of any invitation nor of any details or nature of what kind of government might be formed in Afghanistan.”
Reiterating that India’s primary concern is that Afghan soil should not be used for anti-India activities, Bagchi said, “Our focus is that Afghan soil should not be used for any terrorist activities against India.” should not be done.”
Asked about holding more meetings with the Taliban, Bagchi said there was no information about any future meetings.
Asked whether the recent meeting of Taliban leaders with India’s envoy in Doha was a step towards recognition of the group, he said it was just a meeting and nothing more.
Responding to a question about the evacuation of 20 Indians stranded in the war-torn country, Bagchi said the ministry would revisit the issue once the Kabul airport resumes operations. He said that most of the Indians have left Afghanistan.
The Taliban held talks with India in Doha to discuss the ongoing situation in the war-torn nation, just a day after US troops formally left Afghanistan at midnight on August 30-31.
During the meeting, Indian Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal raised New Delhi’s concerns, including terrorist activities.
At the request of the Taliban side, the Indian envoy met Sher Mohammad Abbas Stankzai, the head of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, and discussed issues such as safety, security and the early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan.
The visit of Afghan citizens, especially minorities, to India was also discussed during the meeting.
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