India, Russia for permanent channel on Afghanistan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 24

India and Russia have agreed to form a permanent bilateral channel for consultations to discuss Afghanistan. This followed an extensive 45-minute conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The two leaders expressed their determination to increase cooperation in opposing the spread of terrorist ideology and the drugs threat emanating from Afghan territory, said the Kremlin’s readout of the talks.

While exchanging opinions on Afghanistan, they noted the importance of concerted efforts, which would help establish peace and stability in the country and ensure security in the region in general. It is in this respect that Putin and PM Modi agreed to establish a two-way channel for permanent consultations on the issue.

They also touched on a number of aspects concerning the further development of Russian-Indian, in trade and the economy among other areas.

PM Modi conveyed his gratitude to Putin for the assistance provided in combating the second Covid wave, including supplies of vaccines and their production in India as well as the delivery of necessary medicines and medical equipment.

They also discussed forthcoming high level meetings between the two sides. Besides scheduled to meet bilaterally towards the end of the year, the two leaders will also be coordinating with each other before the BRICS and SCO summits.

PM Modi tweeted, “Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against CovidC. We agreed to continue close consultations on important issues.”

On Monday, PM Modi had discussed Afghanistan with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and had analysed the possible ramifications on the affected region and its impact on the global commons.