At meet of Central Asian security ministers’ meet, Doval emphasis on need to counter terror financing

New Delhi, Dec 06: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval today flagged the terrorist networks of Central Asia including Afghanistan and emphasised on dealing with terror financing a priority in the war against terror. While addressing a meeting of the National SecurityAdvisers/Secretaries of the Security Councils with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the NSA said that Afghanistan is an important issue concerning us all. India's concerns and objectives and the immediate priority and the way forward are similar to many of those around the table, the NSA also said.

"Persistence of terrorist networks in the region, including in Afghanistan is also a matter of deep concern. Financing is the lifeblood of terrorism and countering terrorism should be an equal priority for all of us," he said.

He further called on all the Asian countries to call on the UN members to fulfil obligations that are enshrined in relevant counter-terror conventions and refrain from providing support to entities involved in acts of terror.

Call on all the UN members to fulfil obligations enshrined in relevant counter-terror conventions and refrain from providing support to entities involved in acts of terror, NSA Doval also said. He went on to state that Central Asia is India's extended neighbourhood with civilisational linkages to the country.

The first one-day NSA level meeting held today follows the summit held in January 2022 between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The NSA said that the India-Central Asia Summit held in January this year formed the basis of the meeting held today. He said that the meeting comes at a time when a great churn in international and uncertainty lies ahead of us. "Today's meeting assumes importance, as it provides us an opportunity to discuss matters which require greater cooperation and coordination amongst the regional countries," Doval said.

The NSA while noting that connectivity with Central Asian countries remains a key concern said that India is ready to stand y to cooperate, invest and build connectivity in the region. While expanding connectivity it is important to ensure that the initiatives are consultative, transparent and participatory.

The summit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations of India with the Central Asian countries. During the summit held in January, PM Modi discussed the next steps to take Indian-Central Asia relations to newer heights. The leaders also agreed on meeting of Foreign Ministers, Culture Ministers and Secretaries of the Security Council. This would help on the groundwork for the summit meetings, it was also decided.