Delhi Declaration: Leaders say Afghanistan should not be used for sheltering, financing terrorist acts

The leaders condemned in the 'strongest terms' all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their firm commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and countering radicalization, to ensure that Afghanistan would never become a safe haven for global terrorism, as per a statement issued by India's Ministry of Exteral Affairs on Wednesday following the meeting.

They expressed deep concern over the suffering of the people of Afghanistan arising from the security situation in the country and condemned the terrorist attacks in Kunduz, Kandahar and Kabul.

The leaders called for a collective cooperation against the menace of radicalization, extremism, separatism and drug trafficking in the region.

The participating leaders stressed the necessity of forming an open and truly inclusive government that represents the will of all the people of Afghanistan and has representation from all sections of their society, including major ethno-political forces in the country.

"Inclusion of all sections of the society in the administrative and political structure is imperative for the successful national reconciliation process in the country," read the statement.

Recalling the relevant UN Resolutions on Afghanistan, the participants noted that the United Nations has a central role to play in Afghanistan and that its continued presence in the country must be preserved.

The participants also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the fundamental rights of women, children and minority communities are not violated.

They expressed concern over the deteriorating socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, and underlined the need to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

The leaders reiterated that humanitarian assistance should be provided in an unimpeded, direct and assured manner to Afghanistan and that the assistance is distributed within the country in a non-discriminatory manner across all sections of the Afghan society.

The leaders even reiterated their commitment to provide assistance to Afghanistan to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

They participants also reiterated the importance of their dialogue and agreed to remain engaged with each other in the future.

The National Security Advisers and Secretaries of the National Security Councils of India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting.