G20 Summit: Indian PM Modi expected to highlight India's commitment to help Afghans

New Delhi - India has already shared that it stands with Afghans and is ready to continue its assistance programme

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Extraordinary Leaders’ Summit on Afghanistan, called by Italy, chair of Group of 20 (G20) major economies.

Today, the world’s richest economies will discuss the humanitarian crisis and terror risks emanating from Afghanistan.

India has already shared its position that it stands with Afghans and is ready to continue its assistance programme. India has also indicated in the past that it wants unimpeded, unrestricted access.

Further, New Delhi called for the impartial distribution of assistance to all sections of society. Being one of the biggest donors, India has spent $3 billion to rebuild the war-torn country. There are small and big India-built community and developmental projects in all provinces of Afghanistan.

In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly last month, Modi had said that the world must fulfil its duty by providing help to the people in war-torn Afghanistan where women, children and minorities are in need.

In today’s meet, other than outlining India’s willingness to provide humanitarian support to Afghans, Modi is also expected to inform G20 nations about the risks of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and how the neighbouring country is aiding anti-India terror groups in Afghanistan.

At a virtual meeting on Afghanistan organised by SCO last month, Modi emphasised and warned that if 'instability and fundamentalism' persist in Afghanistan, it will encourage terrorist and extremist ideologies all over the world.

In today’s meeting, where the focus will be on the humanitarian crisis, other than G20 nations, Qatar, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the United Nations will also participate.

The economic collapse of Afghanistan and the looming migrant crisis has caused concerns for the international community.

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The majority of countries at G20 believe that the Taliban regime is far from getting legitimised, recognised as it has imposed a ban on women attending universities and has returned to harsh punishments and executions.

G20 is also concerned about Afghanistan becoming safe haven for terrorism. However, there is a feeling that the world must focus on providing assistance to Afghans as the huge crisis is starting.

According to reports, a joint statement is expected at the end of the G20 meeting on Afghanistan.

• India