S Jaishankar proposes 'Double Peace' to resolve Afghanistan's conflict
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New Delhi, Mar 30: The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared at the 'Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process conference' on Mar 30 the immediate need for 'double peace' to solve Afghanistan's struggle. "Double peace' refers to peace in and around Afghanistan. The Minister stressed the importance of negotiating in good faith to reach a political solution.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted that the last few months had witnessed an escalation in the targeted killings of civil society and added that 2020 marked a 45 per cent increase in civilian casualties in Afghanistan, over 2019. He called on the conference members to press for an immediate reduction in violence leading to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.
The Minister said "For a durable peace in Afghanistan, what we need is a genuine 'double peace', that is, peace within Afghanistan and peace around Afghanistan. It requires harmonizing the interests of all, both within and around that country. India has been supportive of all the efforts being made to accelerate the dialogue between the Afghan govt and the Taliban, including intra-Afghan negotiations."
Jaishankar further said "India welcomes any move towards a genuine political settlement, and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan. We appreciate the international recognition of foundational principles that will determine their contours. We support a regional process to be convened under the aegis of the United Nations. If the peace process is to be successful, then it is necessary to ensure that the negotiating parties continue to engage in good faith, with a serious commitment towards reaching a political solution."
Jaishankar assured about the India-Afghan development partnership of USD 3 billion, which is aimed at making Afghanistan a self-sustaining nation. He stated that New Delhi will continue to work on improving Kabul's connectivity with the outside world, including the involvement of Chabahar Port.