21.7°C Vancouver

Jul 29, 2021 10:11 AM -

US, India against military takeover of Afghanistan: Jaishankar in RS

Share On
us-india-against-military-takeover-of-afghanistan-jaishankar-in-rs
US, India against military takeover of Afghanistan: Jaishankar in RS

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha that he had a very detailed discussion with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and they both agreed that there cannot be a takeover of the war-torn country by use of force.

Addressing the upper house, the minister said, "We (Indian leadership) highlighted that in our approach to global issues we're guided by quest for perfect union but we seek to right historical wrongs. When it comes to freedom, we shouldn't treat it as non-governance or abdication of responsibilities. Our conversation on this should be balanced."

Regarding the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, EAM Jaishankar said, "That there can't be a military solution, there can't be a takeover by use of force in Afghanistan. We'll work with international community to ensure that political negotiations for a settlement are pursued seriously and we would never accept an outcome which is decided by force."

Blinken, during his two-day India visit, discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific and COVID-19 cooperation.

During Blinken's visit, Jaishankar said he articulated India's position at a presser that was jointly held with the US Secretary of State.

"We were very clear that there must be a negotiated, political settlement in Afghanistan."

"We (EAM & US Secy of State) had a very detailed discussion on Afghanistan. I articulated our position at a press conference that was jointly held with the visiting US Secy of State. We were very clear that there must be a negotiated political settlement in Afghanistan."
The minister further added that there was a "very strong convergence in our (India and US) positions on this matter."

Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar had underlined the importance of peace negotiations in Afghanistan and spoke against the unilateral "imposition of will" in the war-torn country while calling for preserving the gains made over the past two decades.

During a joint presser with Blinken, Jaishankar had said, "The gains to Afghan civil society, especially rights of women, minorities and social freedom -- over the last two decades are self-evident. Afghanistan must never be home to terrorism, nor become a source of refugees."

Latest news

our-trade-talks-with-washington-will-continue-in-the-coming-weeks-dominic-leblanc
CanadaAug 01, 2025

Our trade talks with Washington will continue in the coming weeks: Dominic LeBlanc

Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-US trade, says that our trade talks with Washington will continue in the coming weeks, his comments come after President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Canada from 25 percent to 35 percent. LeBlanc, who was in Washington during the time, said that no development is expected in the near future. Prime Minister Mark Carney's minister said that he will speak to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick next week and that the two will meet face-to-face in late August to discuss the issue. LeBlanc said that Canada's ambassador to the US, Christine
charges-laid-in-august-2024-homicide-of-dillan-unger-in-langley
BCAug 01, 2025

Charges laid in August 2024 homicide of Dillan Unger in Langley

Charges have been laid following an investigation into an August 2024 homicide in Langley, British Columbia. On August 2, 2024, at 12:46 a.m., Langley RCMP responded to a report of gun shots in the 7000-block of 202B Street in Langley. Two men suffering from gun shot wounds were subsequently located at the hospital. One of the men succumbed to his injuries and the second was released from hospital. To further the investigation, IHIT identified the victim as 41-year-old Dillan Unger of Langley. Throughout the course of this investigation, IHIT has worked in close partnership with the Langley
tragic-incident-near-comox-lake
BCAug 01, 2025

Falling tree kills mother, 26, and five-month-old baby at B.C. campground

A mother and her five-month-old baby have been killed by a tree that fell in a Vancouver Island campground. Police say emergency responders were called to the scene in Cumberland, B.C., on Thursday afternoon.RCMP say that the 26-year-old mother died at the scene and the infant was taken to hospital but did not survive.They say there is no criminality suspected in the initial investigation, and no further details on the case will be released.BC Emergency Health Services says they received a call for ambulances to attend in the 1100 block of Comox Lake Road, the address for Cumberland Lake Park
trump-orders-us-nuclear-subs-repositioned-over-statements-from-ex-russian-leader-medvedev
WorldAug 01, 2025

Trump orders US nuclear subs repositioned over statements from ex-Russian leader Medvedev

President Donald Trump says he's ordering the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines. This decision comes after what he calls ``highly provocative statements'' by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Trump posted on his social media site that he's taking action in case Medvedev's words are more than just rhetoric. He emphasizes the importance of words and hopes for no unintended consequences. The impact on U.S. nuclear subs,which routinely patrol global hotspots, remains unclear. This move escalates tensions between Washington and Moscow at a delicate time. Trump also mentions sen
b-c-park-reopens-while-search-continues-for-man-missing-in-coquihalla-river
BCAug 01, 2025

B.C. park reopens, while search continues for man missing in Coquihalla River

Police say the Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park in Hope, B.C., has reopened, while a search to find a missing man who fell into the river last weekend continues. RCMP closed off the area in the park as a police underwater recovery team went into the Coquihalla River on Wednesday to try to find the 19-year-old man but was unsuccessful. There was also no sign of the man using a drone to search along the river on Thursday. RCMP say they will resume the search on Saturday, and parts of the park may be restricted to public access due to those efforts. Hope RCMP Staff Sgt. Mike S

Related News