EAM Dr S Jaishankar
– Photo : ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday reiterated India’s stand for an inclusive, “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled” reconciliation process to bring about peace and stability in Afghanistan. Speaking at a media briefing in “Talks on India’s Role in Global Affairs” during a discussion on the book ‘Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery’ in Surat, Gujarat, “Sad things happen in Afghanistan”. But India cannot decide what is happening in Afghanistan, Afghans have to decide what is happening in Afghanistan. India can help Afghan people in difficult times.”
Significantly, since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the country has been facing a severe decline in human rights, women’s rights and religious freedom. Atrocities by Taliban officials since the Taliban came to power on August 15 last year have forced the country’s Hindu and Sikh minorities to flee persecution. Gender minorities have either fled or moved to other countries. The women have either fled or were taken to other countries.
In particular, Afghan women look to a bleak future because of the many restrictions imposed by the Taliban that control many aspects of their lives, including the denial of education to girls above the sixth grade. They are not allowed to work, women are no longer allowed to travel unless their relatives are men and they have been denied their reproductive rights to wear make-up as well. Not recognized by most of the international community, the Taliban-led government is committed to undermining basic human rights. So the citizens of Afghanistan are leading a miserable life in the country.
Jaishankar said that “we have to work with our neighbors today… our neighbors are comfortable with us… but we should also understand that the neighbors would like to see from where they can benefit.” He said that India has been calling on all sections of the political spectrum in Afghanistan to work together to fulfill the aspirations of all the people of that country, including those from the minority community, for a prosperous and secure future.
He also appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in digitization of public services. Recalling his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he said that Modi was the only CM who understood the power of Aadhaar. Because of this, direct benefit transfer became possible. Covin Portal, PM Awas Yojana, PM Garib Kalyan Yojana- nothing would have been possible without it. Jaishankar said that the Prime Minister has instilled a sense of trust among Indians living abroad. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabki Suraksha is a reality of his tenure.
Jaishankar also shared the experience of evacuating Indian civilians during the Russo-Ukraine War. He said that PM Modi had called upon the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to assure the safe return of Indian students stranded in war zones. Jaishankar said that “PM Modi called President Putin and Zelensky, told them that our children are trapped in Sumi and Kharkiv in Ukraine … assured that there will be no firing during that period and thus we will protect our children.” was able to get out.
Speaking in front of a live audience in Surat, Jaishankar said that India continues to display strong business sentiment across the world despite an uncertain global scenario due to COVID-19, climate change and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Jaishankar tweeted that today got an opportunity to discuss the book ‘Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery’ in Surat. The subject of my first contact with the Prime Minister was related to Surat. In another tweet, he said that Lata Mangeshkar ji herself has credited her for the mass movement and taking people together, Amit Shah ji has praised her vision and ability to perform on a large scale. Kotak Mahindra Bank Managing Director Uday Kotak talks about their socially inclusive business growth and Infosys Non-Executive Chairman Nandan Nilekani explains their digital governance.
Where Lata Mangeshkar ji has credited him for the mass movement and taking people along, @AmitShah I admire his vision and delivery on scale. @udaykotak Lets talk about their socially inclusive business growth and @NandanNilekani Let us explain about their digital governance.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 17, 2022