India Advocates Pragmatic Engagement with Taliban for Afghanistan's Stability

India calls for pragmatic engagement with the Taliban, emphasizing constructive policies over punitive measures. India's Permanent Representative to the UN highlights the need for international cooperation to address Afghanistan's developmental needs, condemning terrorism and advocating humanitarian assistance. India plans to deepen development projects and maintain security vigilance.

India has advocated for a 'pragmatic engagement' with the Taliban, emphasizing that a sole focus on punitive measures will maintain a 'business as usual' stance, as its Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, told the Security Council.

New Delhi urges the international community to adopt nuanced policy tools that yield sustainable benefits for Afghanistan, underlining India's commitment to helping the country's development. The Indian Government's recent move to restore its Kabul mission to an Embassy reflects this dedication, according to Harish.

This call for engagement follows Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to India, where talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led to plans to bolster development initiatives, focusing on sectors such as healthcare and infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)