In a first, India to hold non-official talks with Taliban in Moscow

“We are aware that the Russian Federation is hosting a meeting in Moscow on November 9 on Afghanistan,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

“India supports all efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that will preserve unity and plurality, and bring security, stability and prosperity to the country,” Kumar added. “India’s consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with participation of the government of Afghanistan. “Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level.” This will be the first time that India will be sharing talks table with the Afghan Taliban on issues of peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Sources said that Amar Sinha, former Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry who also served as India’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, and TCA Raghavan, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, will represent New Delhi at the Moscow talks. The Indian move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi last month for the annual bilateral summit with Prime Minister Modi.