MOSCOW TALKS | IAS GYAN

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Context: India joined the latest meeting of the ‘Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan’ that was held in the Russian capital.

Details:

The Moscow format — one of the several dialogue platforms on Afghanistan — which began before the Taliban takeover of Kabul, consists of Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and India.
Joint Secretary in-charge of Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), J.P. Singh, represented India at the talks.
During the meeting, the participants discussed issues related to Afghanistan, including the current humanitarian situation and the ongoing efforts of various stakeholders to provide assistance, intra-Afghan talks, formation of an inclusive and representative government, efforts to counter threats of terrorism and ensuring regional security.
The meeting was announced earlier this month by Zamir Kabulov, Special Representative of the President of the Russia for Afghanistan.
Singh led a humanitarian delegation to Kabul in June when he met leading Taliban figures and handed over large consignments of medicines and medical equipment to the Afghan people.
Preliminary reports suggest that talks were held without the participation of any Taliban representative.