India offers to build transport networks in Central Asia; takes swipe at China, Pakistan on CPEC, harbouring of terrorists
New Delhi: India offers to invest in and build communication networks in the region to foster greater cooperation and coordination with Central Asia in a range of areas, including security and trade, a special report by Sandeep Dikshit in The Tribune, chandigarh, says.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said countering terror-financing should be of equal priority to all countries.
Making an indirect reference to Pakistan’s harbouring of terror networks, he said nations must be asked to fulfil obligations enshrined in relevant counter-terrorism conventions and protocols,
Making his remarks in the inaugural speech at India’s first collective meeting with all five Central Asian NSAs, he said they must also refrain from providing any form of support to entities or persons involved in terrorist acts.
“Connectivity with Central Asian countries remains a key priority for India. We stand ready to cooperate, invest and build connectivity in the region,” said Doval. India has publicly offered to build networks broadly on the lines of China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative.
But he also underlined a difference. Referring to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which India says is unacceptable because it traverses through its territory, Doval said that while expanding connectivity, it is important to ensure that connectivity initiatives are consultative, transparent and participatory with respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
“We meet at a time of great upheaval in international relations and uncertainty about the future. A peaceful, secure and prosperous central Asia is in our common interest. The meeting provides an opportunity to discuss matters which require greater cooperation and coordination among regional countries,” the NSA observed.
“Afghanistan is an important issue concerning us all. India’s concerns and objectives with regard to immediate priorities and the way forward are similar to those of many around the table,” said Doval while expressing deep concern over the terrorist networks in the region, including in Afghanistan.
The meeting is an outcome of the virtual summit between PM Narendra Modi and the leaders of the five Central Asian countries to convene regular meetings of their Secretaries of Security Councils to discuss security-related developments in the region.
Among other issues discussed, the Central Asian NSAs also spoke on drug trafficking rampant in the region.
Kyrgyz NSA Marat Imankulov said the common interest of the six NSAs is to combat terrorism, extremism and drug-trafficking as well as resolving the situation in Afghanistan.
“An important topic is Afghanistan and its impact. Considering the processes taking place in Afghanistan, there is danger that IS and other gangs will attempt to consolidate their position there. Continued smuggling of narcotics continues to deteriorate the situation. We expect decisive action (from the Taliban) on terrorism and drug-smuggling,” observed Imankulov.
Tajikistan’s NSA Nasrullo Mahmudzoda mentioned other threats in the region such as cyber-crime and cyber terrorism, and biological threats besides the “highly destructive ideology of religious extremism which is advancing rapidly”.
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