Afghan peace push: Russia calls India a trusted ally

Russia has hailed India as a welcome partner in its efforts to promote the Afghan peace process as foreign troops prepare to leave the war-torn country.

“India (is our) closest friend and trusted partner. Big meeting of minds on the majority of global and regional issues” the Russian ambassador in New Delhi said on Wednesday.

Nikolay Kudashev told a virtual media briefing in Delhi: “We have a big meeting of minds on the majority of global and regional issues… India is a welcome partner in our efforts to secure solutions for security and stability in and around Afghanistan.”

Democratic News Agency quoted the Russian diplomat as saying: “India has never been denied the opportunity to be in troika; otherwise there is a still larger, more comprehensive format where India is the most welcome partner…”

Delhi was not invited to the troika-plus talks on Afghanistan in Moscow. Russia, the US, China and Pakistan were among the participants in the March 18 meeting.

The problem should not be viewed from the denial point of view, he argued, saying the issue should be seen from the perspective of multiplicity of choice.