Ministers of Foreign Affairs from India, Russia, and Pakistan called on Friday for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan that protects women's rights, nearly two years after the Taliban took control in Kabul.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that "the situation in Afghanistan remains central to our concerns. Our efforts should focus on the prosperity of the Afghan people," adding, "urgent priorities include providing humanitarian aid, ensuring an inclusive and representative government, combating terrorism and drug trafficking, and safeguarding the rights of women, children, and minorities."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov mentioned that Moscow expects the Taliban leadership to "fulfill its promises to form an inclusive government," noting, "We are ensuring the implementation of the assurances given to us regarding human rights and security on Afghan territory, and addressing terrorism and drug trafficking threats."
Jaishankar and Lavrov spoke during a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the coastal state of Goa, India, ahead of a planned meeting over the weekend in Pakistan among the foreign ministers of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari considered the situation in Afghanistan as presenting "challenges and new opportunities," stating, "Having been a playground for great powers, we have a duty to the Afghan people not to repeat the mistakes of the past." He added, "The international community must continue to urge the Afghan authorities to adopt internationally accepted principles to engage everyone in the political process and respect the rights of all Afghans, including the right of girls to education."
Concerns are growing regarding stability in Afghanistan as the country struggles with difficult economic conditions and humanitarian crises under Taliban rule.
