NEW DELHI: The participants of the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan had a “very substantive exchange” during their meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said. They said the Prime Minister shared India’s perspective on Afghanistan.
In their meeting, the NSAs and heads of Security Councils of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan conveyed greetings from their leaders and also appreciated India’s initiative of hosting the Dialogue.
The sources said that the regional dialogue exceeded India’s expectations and the NSAs easily arrived at a complete consensus, which enabled joint Delhi Declaration.
They said every delegation was appreciative of the timing of the event and the opportunity to engage in frank and open discussions.
The sources said every country got an opportunity to put across its views in a forthright manner.
“This is the only dialogue at the level of NSAs and there was complete unanimity on the need to continue this process and have regular consultations,” a source said.
A PMO release said that the Prime Minister appreciated the participation of the senior dignitaries in the Delhi Security Dialogue despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
“He emphasised four aspects that countries in the region would need to focus on, in the context of Afghanistan: the need for an inclusive government; a zero-tolerance stance about Afghan territory being used by terrorist groups; a strategy to counter trafficking of drugs and arms from Afghanistan; and addressing the increasingly critical humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan,” the release said.
Tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to the country’s first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary and called his role in the freedom struggle inspiring.
The Prime Minister added that Azad was passionate about the education sector and worked to further brotherhood in society.
“Tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his Jayanti. A pathbreaking thinker and intellectual, his role in the freedom struggle is inspiring. He was passionate about the education sector and worked to further brotherhood in society,” tweeted PM Modi.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute to Azad on his birth anniversary.
“Tributes to the first education minister of independent India and Bharat Ratna awardee Maulana Abul Kalam Azad ji on his birth anniversary. Happy National Education Day.#NationalEducationDay,” Gadkari tweeted.
The National Education Day or Rashtriya Shiksha Diwas is celebrated every year on November 11 on the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
Remembers Acharya Kripalani
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to Acharya Kripalani on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
“Acharya Kripalani was at the forefront of India’s freedom struggle under Bapu’s leadership. He had a great vision for our nation and worked to fulfil it as MP. He made immense contributions towards environmental protection and social empowerment. Remembering him on his Jayanti,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted,
Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani, popularly known as Acharya Kripalani, was a part of the Indian National Congress, and a freedom fighter who idolised Mahatma Gandhi. (ANI)