Afghanistan On Agenda, Ajit Doval Meets Uzbek, Tajik Officials

This is for the first time that all central Asian countries -- Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan - and not just Afghanistan's immediate land neighbours, are participating in this format of dialogue.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met his Tajik and Uzbek counterparts today where detailed discussions took place on the situation in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. Concerns were also expressed on the sharp increase in terrorist threats from Afghanistan in the recent past. Sources said the Tajik officials highlighted the gravity of situation in Afghanistan.

India is hosting a high-level regional security dialogue over the developments in Afghanistan. The Delhi Regional Security Dialogue, to be held tomorrow, will be chaired by Mr Doval. Sources had said several central Asian nations, as well as Russia and Iran, have confirmed participation.

This is for the first time that all central Asian countries -- Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan - and not just Afghanistan's immediate land neighbours, are participating in this format of dialogue.

At today's meet with Uzbek and Tajik officials, there was a convergence of assessments, sources said.  Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda, Secretary, Security Council of Tajikistan and Victor Makhmudov, Secretary, Security Council, Uzbekistan, were present at the meeting ahead of the ''Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan''.