Bangla Press Desk: Afghanistan's Charge d'Affaires Noor Ahmed Noor has said stronger political trust, economic partnership and continued engagement between Afghanistan and India would benefit both countries and contribute to regional stability, connectivity and shared prosperity.
Speaking at an event on Monday hosted by the Afghan embassy to mark the fifth anniversary of Victory Day, or the Taliban's return to power in Kabul on August 15, 2021, Noor said Afghanistan wanted deeper economic ties with India. The reception in New Delhi was the first public event of its kind since the Taliban took power five years ago. India has not officially recognised the Taliban government.
Noor said Afghanistan's foreign policy was based on "balanced engagement and non-interference" and added that it sought positive, constructive, pragmatic and sustainable ties with all countries.
"We believe that stronger political trust, economic partnership and continued engagement between Afghanistan and India will not only benefit both countries, but will also make an important contribution to regional stability, connectivity, and shared prosperity," he said.
Outlining India-Afghanistan ties, Noor said diplomatic contacts had expanded, embassies and consulates had become more active, and high-level delegations from both sides had visited each other's capitals in recent years. He said a constructive understanding had developed in political, economic and humanitarian cooperation between the two sides.
Referring to historical links, Noor said, "The ancient cities of Afghanistan, such as Kabul, Herat and Kandahar, welcomed Indian traders and caravans, while Indian cities such as Delhi and Lahore benefited from the influence of Afghan scholars, poets and Sufis."
He added, "In the political sphere as well, the two countries influenced one another in their struggles for freedom and independence from British colonial rule. This is our shared past, from which we draw inspiration for a better future."
Noor also sought India's support in "protecting and respecting the international rights" of Afghanistan. "We also appreciate their emphasis at international forums on the need to ensure Afghanistan's legitimate international rights. We hope that greater attention and practical efforts will be made in this regard," he said.
He said Afghanistan's stability was important not only for Afghans but also for the wider region. "We believe that Afghanistan's stability is not only a success for Afghans; it is also an important opportunity for economic growth, trade, energy, transit and security across the entire region," he said.
Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in charge of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs, attended the event.
Noor's remarks at the embassy event underlined Afghanistan's push for wider engagement with India, with a focus on political trust, economic ties and regional cooperation, even as New Delhi has not formally recognised the Taliban administration.
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