During Delhi visit, India reminds US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad on terror from Pak impacting Afghanistan

In the first visit of US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad to Delhi after the US Taliban deal on February 29, India has raised the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan impacting peace in Afghanistan and targetting of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. 

Zalmay Khalilzad during the one-day India visit called on external affairs minister(EAM) S Jaishankar and India's National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval.

During the meet, EAM and NSA reiterated "India's continued support for strengthening peace, security, unity, democratic and inclusive polity" and "protection of rights of all sections of the Afghan society, including Afghan Hindus and Sikhs." 

Earlier this year terrorists had attacked a Gurudwara in Kabul killing more than 25 Afghan Sikhs which was claimed by the Islamic State. The attack also killed one Indian.

Without mentioning Pakistan, the Indian readout of the meet said, "It was emphasized that putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries is necessary for enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan."

The US special envoy was accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council Lisa Curtis and the US ambassador to India Ken Juster.

India also expressed its deep "concern at the upsurge in violence" and extended support for "call for an immediate ceasefire" and need to "assist the people of Afghanistan in dealing with coronavirus pandemic."

New Delhi has been extending humanitarian food and medical supplies to Afghanistan to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Of the 75,000 tonnes of wheat gifted by India, the second stock of 10,000 will reach Chabahar in three days. 

The first consignment of 5,000 tonnes reached Afghanistan in April and took the same route from Kandla to Iran and then via land to Nimroz.