India Concerned About ‘Inclusiveness’ In Afghanistan’s New ‘Dispensation’

New Delhi: External affairs minister S Jaishankar said India was concerned about “inclusiveness” in Afghanistan’s new “dispensation”. This was India’s first statement after the formation of the Taliban government in the neighbouring country.

Jaishankar commented during a press event following India’s ‘two-plus-two’ ministerial talks with Australia. Jaishankar along with defence minister Rajnath Singh interacted with their Australian counterparts, Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.

Both India and Australia agreed that the Afghanistan situation was a central concern. They also shared views on a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific as well as East and South China Sea.

Payne supported India’s statement on inclusiveness in the new Taliban government. She said Australia too was concerned about the status of women in Afghanistan. Besides, Afghanistan should not become a “breeding ground for terror groups,” Payne added.

Announced on September 7, the all-male interim government of the Taliban was inaugurated on Saturday that coincided with the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in the US. The Taliban, however, cancelled the ceremony at the last moment following pressure from the Doha counterparts of the military group.

Both India and Australia also stressed the importance of combating terrorism without compromise. “Today is the 20th anniversary of 9/11, it is a reminder, if one is still needed, of the importance of combating terrorism without compromise. Close as we are to its epicentre, let us appreciate the value of international cooperation to that end,” Jaishankar said.

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