NEW DELHI — Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgent need for uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
“The Leaders welcomed the counter-terrorism measures against international terrorist groups, including ISIS, and other groups, expressing confidence that the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan would be comprehensive and effective,” the two sides said in a joint statement said.
“They stressed the need to ensure urgent and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people without any political demands,” it added.
The statement also noted the close coordination between India and Russia on Afghanistan, including through the dialogue mechanism between the Security Councils of both countries.
“Both sides discussed the situation in Afghanistan, including the security situation and its implications for the region, the current political situation, issues related to terrorism, radicalization, and drug trafficking,” the statement said.
The leaders advocated for Afghanistan to be an independent, united, and peaceful state free from terrorism, war, and drugs, living in harmony with its neighbors and ensuring respect for basic human rights and freedoms, especially for the most vulnerable sections of Afghan society.
“They emphasized the important role of the Moscow Format meetings in facilitating the Afghan settlement,” the statement concluded.
