Russia rubbishes media report claiming 'Moscow kept India out' of global efforts for Afghan peace process

Russia stated that the publication of the report by The Indian Express "seems to be based on ill-informed sources."

"Dialogue between Russia and India has always been very close and forward-looking on all global and regional issues, including the situation in Afghanistan. It has been intensively maintained in bilateral and multilateral formats, including the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, Moscow consultations, etc.," a statement from Russian Embassy in response to the report said.

"Due to the complexity of the Afghan settlement, moving towards a relevant regional consensus and coordination with other partners, including the US, is critical. We proceed from the importance of the implementation of the US-Taliban agreement signed in Doha in February 2020 and approved by a UN Security Council resolution," the statement said.

Russia said it has always stated that India plays a very important role in Afghanistan, and its eventual "deeper involvement in dedicated dialogue formats is natural."

In its report, titled "Russia kept India out, US brings Delhi to talks table for Afghan peace plan", the Indian Express claimed that Moscow is learnt to have suggested a plan that kept New Delhi out of a roadmap for peace in Afghanistan.

However, "India is finally at the table with five other countries to decide on the roadmap for peace in Afghanistan after six months of hectic behind-the-scenes diplomacy," The Indian Express report claimed quoting sources.

"This mechanism has been suggested by Washington even as Moscow is learnt to have suggested a plan that kept New Delhi out," the report added.