India and Central Asian countries on Tuesday cautioned that Afghanistan must not become a safe haven for terrorist activities and called for collective action to combat challenges like terror financing, radicalization and use of terror proxies for cross-border terrorism.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval said monetary resources are the “lifeblood” of terrorism and countering it should be a priority.
This appeal was made here at the first meeting of the National Security Advisors (NSA) of India and Central Asia hosted by Doval. The high-profile conclave also emphasized the need for respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty, unity and territory and urged non-interference in its internal affairs. Doval said the meeting was taking place at a time of “great churn,” in international relations.
The NSAs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are attending the conclave while Turkmenistan is being represented by its ambassador to India.
Addressing the meet focusing on combating terrorism in the region and situation in Afghanistan, Doval pitched for giving greater priority by countries of the region to counter terror financing, saying monetary resources are the “lifeblood” of terrorism.
Doval also said all United Nations(UN) member states should refrain from providing any form of support to entities or persons involved in terrorist acts and fulfill the obligations enshrined in relevant counter-terror conventions. He described Central Asia as India’s “extended neighbourhood”, and said New Delhi accords “highest priority” to this region.
“Afghanistan is an important issue concerning all of us. India’s concerns and objectives with regard to immediate priorities and the way forward are similar to those of many of us around the table,” he said.
Doval said connectivity with Central Asian countries remained a key priority for India and that New Delhi stands ready to cooperate, invest and build connectivity in the region.
“While expanding connectivity, it is important to ensure that connectivity initiatives are consultative, transparent and participatory, with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” he said, seen as an oblique reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Doval hosted the conclave with a focus on evolving a common framework to deal with challenges of terrorism in the region including Afghanistan and ways to bolster overall security cooperation in sync with a decision taken at the first India-Central Asia summit in January.
He said the meeting is taking place at a time of “great churn” in international relations and uncertainty about the future, noting a peaceful, secure and prosperous Central Asia is in “our common interest”.
“Today’s meeting, therefore, assumes importance as it provides us an opportunity to discuss matters which require greater cooperation and coordination amongst the regional countries,” he said
A joint communique said the officials agreed that the expansion of terrorist propaganda, recruitment and fund-raising efforts have serious security implications for the region, and therefore, a collective and coordinated response is essential.
“The misuse of new and emerging technologies, arms and drugs trafficking, using terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism, abuse of cyber space to spread disinformation and unmanned aerial systems present new challenges in counterterrorism efforts and call for collective action,” it said.
The mentioning of cross-border terrorism is seen as a reference to Pakistan’s support to various terror groups which have been targeting India. The meeting also strongly called for an early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism to effectively deal with the menace.
It also reiterated that greater connectivity could be a force multiplier for enhancing trade and commerce as well as for ensuring closer interactions between India and Central Asian countries. Doval also referred to the first India-Central Asia virtual summit in January that was hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Your presence is a testimony to our cohesiveness and it will enrich the discussions. Central Asia is our extended neighbourhood with which we have civilisational linkages and we accord highest priority to this region,” Doval said.
