Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani yesterday met here with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the sidelines of the fourth regional security dialogue on Afghanistan.
IRNA says Shamkhani noted during the meeting that constant exchange of views and cooperation between independent states was inevitable for active contribution to new relations in the international arena, given the complicated developments emerging in the region’s security environment and the international level.
The Iranian official singled out Afghanistan, saying that development in this country was one of the main issues that should be continually on the agenda considering its direct impact on the region’s security.
He said that sustainable security in Afghanistan required forming an all-inclusive government in that country, taking broad wave of Afghan refugees flocking to Iran as an indication of lack of mental security among some groups, according to IRNA.
Shamkhani reportedly described shared stance by Iran and India on many regional and international issues as a considerable opportunity to be leveraged for expanding economic ties, giving a possible 30-billion-dollar target for Iran-India 5-year prospect in trade.
For his part, Doval expressed concern over the current situation in Afghanistan and persistence of terrorist attacks.
He reportedly said that failure in forming an all-inclusive government in Afghanistan was a big challenge, as the terrorist groups threatening India’s national security were still active in the country.
The Indian official highlighted the issue of Afghan refugees, calling on the global community to deliver food and medicine to the people in Afghanistan.
Doval also expressed concern over the leftover US military weapons in Afghanistan is a big threat against neighboring countries.
He had a “not favorable” assessment of progress in Iran’s Chabahar Port where India has a partnership, calling for efforts to exit the status quo, IRNA said.
