Thu Dec 11 05:33:20 UTC 2025: News Article:
India Urges “Pragmatic Engagement” with Taliban at UN, Cites Humanitarian Concerns
United Nations, December 11, 2025 – India has called for a “pragmatic engagement” with the Taliban in Afghanistan, emphasizing that a purely punitive approach would be counterproductive. Addressing the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, advocated for a nuanced policy that incentivizes positive actions from the Taliban and benefits the Afghan people.
“A focus on only punitive measures will only ensure that a ‘business as usual’ approach continues,” Ambassador Harish stated, highlighting the need for a coherent engagement strategy.
India reiterated its commitment to Afghanistan’s development, pointing to the recent restoration of its embassy in Kabul. The move underscores India’s resolve to contribute to Afghanistan’s comprehensive development, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, aligning with the priorities of Afghan society.
This statement comes after Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi in October, the first such visit by a senior Taliban minister since the group seized power in 2021. During the visit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pledged to renew development works in Afghanistan.
India is closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan and emphasized the need for the international community to coordinate efforts against terrorist groups operating in the region. India condemned airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties, including women, children, and cricketers.
Furthermore, India raised concerns about “trade and transit terrorism,” referring to the closure of access for Afghanistan, a landlocked country. Ambassador Harish stated such actions violate WTO norms and the UN Charter.
Despite condemning these acts, India reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. India has been a strong advocate for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
India currently has over 500 development partnership projects across Afghanistan and will continue to deepen its engagement in healthcare, public infrastructure, and capacity-building. The Indian envoy also highlighted the recent visit of Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, noting progress in cooperation on connectivity, trade facilitation, and market access.
Summary:
On December 11, 2025, The Hindu’s e-paper reported on India’s address to the UN Security Council regarding the situation in Afghanistan. India advocated for a “pragmatic engagement” with the Taliban, warning against solely punitive measures, which they believe would be ineffective. India emphasized its commitment to Afghanistan’s development and security, highlighting the restoration of its embassy in Kabul and ongoing development projects. They condemned terrorist activities and raised concerns about trade restrictions impacting Afghanistan. India reiterated its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and called for coordinated regional and international efforts to promote peace and stability. The article also mentioned recent visits between officials from both countries aimed at strengthening cooperation.
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