New Delhi, Oct 12 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underlined the need to ensure that Afghan territory does not become a source of radicalisation and terrorism, regionally or globally, and on the need to enhance the joint fight against the nexus of radicalisation, terrorism and the smuggling of drugs and arms in the region.
In his virtual address at the G20 Extraordinary Summit on Afghanistan, Prime Minister Modi also called for an inclusive administration in Afghanistan, which includes women and minorities, in order to preserve the socio-economic gains of the last 20 years and to restrict the spread of radical ideology.
He conveyed support for the important role of the United Nations in Afghanistan and called for renewed support of the G20 for the message contained in UN Security Council Resolution 2593 on Afghanistan, which was passed on August 30 under India’s presidency.
The Prime Minister called on the international community to forge a unified international response without which it would be difficult to bring about the desired change in Afghanistan’s situation, said an official statement on the summit convened by Italy.
Earlier in his address, the Prime Minister noted that the Afghan people have a great feeling of friendship for India. He conveyed that every Indian feels the pain of the Afghan people facing hunger and malnutrition. He emphasised on the need for the international community to ensure that Afghanistan has immediate and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance.
He also welcomed the initiative of the Italian G20 Presidency in convening the meeting to take stock of the current situation in Afghanistan.
He stressed on the centuries old people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan. The Prime Minister mentioned that over the last two decades, India has contributed to promoting socio-economic development and capacity building of youth and women in Afghanistan. He recalled that over 500 development projects have been implemented by India in Afghanistan, the statement said.
The Meeting was convened by Italy, which currently holds the G20 Presidency, and chaired by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.
Issues under consideration at the meeting related to the humanitarian situation; concerns relating to terrorism; and human rights in Afghanistan.
UNI/RN