New Delhi: India is all set to host a national security advisor (NSA) level regional conference on Wednesday in New Delhi on Afghanistan. The dialogue to be held at the level of National Security Advisers/Secretaries of Security Councils and will be chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

According to the ministry of external affairs, this National Security Advisors’ level dialogue on Afghanistan will witness expanded participation of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, who will all be represented by their respective National Security Advisers or Secretaries of the Security Councils.

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China has reportedly said that it will not be able to attend the dialogue due to scheduling issues. Notably, Pakistan was earlier reported to have declined the invitation to the regional countries’ NSA-level meeting being hosted by India.

Officials revealed there has been an overwhelming response to India’s invitation and said the high-level participation in the meet is reflective of “widespread and growing concern of regional countries about the situation in Afghanistan and their desire to consult and coordinate with each other wherein India has an important role to play in this process”, according to IANS.

This is the first time that almost all countries of Central Asia will be participating in this meet.

Why do NSA-level talks on Afghanistan hold significance?

The high-level dialogue will focus on assessing the security situation in the region on the back of recent developments in Afghanistan. Officials will deliberate upon measures to address the relevant security challenges and support the people of Afghanistan in promoting peace, security, and stability.

The first two editions of the Dialogue were hosted by Iran in 2018 and 2019. Extremism and radicalisation is also key concern among many participants as they feel many hotbeds in their countries may get influenced which may cause spillover of ideology into their societies, drug trafficking, use of huge weapons left by the US remains other areas of concern.

“The overwhelming response to New Delhi’s initiative also shows the importance attached to India’s role in regional efforts to promote peace and security in Afghanistan,” an official said.

India has maintained a close and friendly relation with the people of Afghanistan and has called for a unified international response to address the security and humanitarian challenges facing Afghanistan. The forthcoming meeting is a step in that direction, the MEA said in the statement.

Besides that India has also played a crucial role in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021 at the time when the US-led international troops were present in the country. India has extended cooperation in key infrastructure projects in the country including the parliament building and the Salma dam investing $3 billion in various reconstruction activities.

With the Pakistan-backed Taliban seizing control over Kabul on 15 August, New Delhi has withdrawn its diplomats from the country.