Regarding the threat posed by terrorist organisations, he stated that financial backing is the “lifeblood” of terrorism and that efforts to stop it should be prioritised more highly.
Doval referred to Central Asia as India’s “extended neighbourhood” and stated that New Delhi gives this region “most priority,” adding that Afghanistan is a significant issue “concerning all of us.”
In addition to highlighting the importance of preserving Afghanistan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, Doval advised against meddling in its internal affairs at the conference he convened.
The NSAs of India, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. Turkmenistan was represented by its ambassador in New Delhi.
According to the communiqué, the authorities concurred that a concerted effort must be made to address the growing regional security implications of terrorist recruitment, propaganda, and funding.
It stated that “new challenges in counterterrorism efforts and the need for collective action are presented by the misuse of new and emerging technologies, arms and drug trafficking, the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism, abuse of cyberspace to spread misinformation, and unmanned aerial systems.”
Cross-border terrorism is brought up in relation to Pakistan’s backing of numerous terror organisations that have been attacking India.
The UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism was strongly urged to be adopted as soon as possible in order to effectively combat the threat.
The communique said the NSAs discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and its impact on the security and stability of the region, reiterating strong support for a “peaceful, stable and secure” Afghanistan. The security officials also emphasised that the territory of Afghanistan should not be used for “sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist acts.
They also reaffirmed the importance of UNSC Resolution 2593 (2021) that no terrorist organisations including those designated by the UN Security Council Resolution 1267 should be provided sanctuary or allowed to use the territory of Afghanistan.
The NSAs noted the current deteriorating humanitarian situation and the need to jointly act to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan, the communique said.
It said the meeting condemned in the strongest terms all forms of terrorism and underscored the need to work collectively to fight this menace.
The NSAs also called strongly for the early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
The communique said the officials also reiterated that greater connectivity could be a force multiplier for enhancing trade and commerce as well as can ensure closer interactions between India and Central Asian countries.
“They concurred that connection projects have to be built on the tenets of openness, widespread participation, and regional concerns. financial stability, adherence to each nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, “In comments interpreted as a veiled allusion to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, it was stated.
The conclave was organised by Doval with a focus on developing a framework for dealing with the challenges posed by terrorism in the region, including Afghanistan, and ways to strengthen overall security cooperation in accordance with a decision made at the first India-Central Asia summit in January.
Doval spent the majority of his brief speech discussing the threat posed by terrorism, the state of affairs in Afghanistan, and the significance of regional connectivity initiatives.
“Financing of terrorism is its lifeblood and countering terror financing should be an equal priority for all of us,” he said, amid India’s growing concern over use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities including by Pakistan-origin terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Additionally, he stated, “We should urge on all UN members to uphold their commitments under the applicable counter-terror agreements and protocols and desist from offering any kind of support to organisations or individuals engaged in terrorist acts.”
Doval also emphasised the need for deliberative, open, and inclusive connectivity projects.
He made an indirect allusion to China’s BRI when he said, “While expanding connectivity, it is crucial to guarantee that connectivity programmes are consultative, transparent, and participative, with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.”
Doval also made mention of the first virtual summit between India and Central Asia, which was held in January and was hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
