Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for India&rsquo;s inclusion in the four-country coalition currently working to stabilize and support Afghanistan. Speaking at a media briefing in Moscow, Lavrov emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, advocating for India and Pakistan to address their mutual concerns through dialogue. His comments underscore Russia&rsquo;s broader strategy of fostering regional partnerships to tackle challenges in Afghanistan and beyond.
The current four-nation grouping, referred to as the &lsquo;Quad&rsquo;&mdash;comprising Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran&mdash;held its third meeting on Afghanistan during the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September. At that meeting, the coalition reiterated its support for Afghanistan&rsquo;s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. Lavrov&rsquo;s proposal to include India aligns with Moscow&rsquo;s recognition of India&rsquo;s active role in Afghan reconstruction through the &lsquo;Moscow format&rsquo;.
Lavrov&rsquo;s remarks gain significance in light of India&rsquo;s ongoing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. Over recent months, India has provided substantial aid, including 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat, 300 tonnes of medicines, and other relief supplies such as winter clothing, vaccines, and earthquake relief material. Furthermore, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri&rsquo;s recent meeting with Afghanistan&rsquo;s acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai highlighted India&rsquo;s readiness to address Afghanistan&rsquo;s pressing developmental needs, ranging from healthcare to refugee rehabilitation.
Highlighting the broader regional context, Lavrov also urged Pakistan and India to engage in constructive dialogue. He referred to the Moscow format as a platform offering India, Pakistan, and China opportunities to communicate and address contentious issues. &ldquo;It allows nations to ask each other troubling questions, seek answers, and work collaboratively,&rdquo; Lavrov said, stressing Russia&rsquo;s willingness to mediate in the interest of regional stability.
On counterterrorism, Lavrov acknowledged Pakistan&rsquo;s victimhood and challenges with terrorism. He called for a united regional front, including Afghanistan, India, and other Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, to combat the threat. &ldquo;Joint efforts against terrorism are essential for ensuring regional peace and security,&rdquo; he noted.
Lavrov&rsquo;s statements reflect Russia&rsquo;s strategic emphasis on inclusive and cooperative mechanisms to address the complex security, political, and humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan, while also fostering broader regional stability through dialogue and collaboration.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with Indian MEA Dr. S. Jaishankar (file photo)

Lavrov highlights regional cooperation for Afghanistan and Indo-Pak dialogue

Russia Advocates India’s Role in Afghan Stability

Lavrov highlights regional cooperation for Afghanistan and Indo-Pak dialogue

January 15, 2025 | 21:31 IST