Afghanistan crisis in focus as NSAs of Russia, Iran meet

The national security advisers (NSAs) of Russia and Iran met in the national capital on the sidelines of the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan to discuss, among other issues, regional approach to addressing crises, including the Afghan problem.

While backing the significance of the Dialogue in addressing the Afghan stalemate and security threats, the two NSAs--Russian's Gen Nikolay Patrushev and Iran's Admiral Ali Shamkhani--in their meeting on Thursday called for regional approach to handle the region's crises, including Afghanistan, ET has learnt.

It may be recalled that India, Russia and Iran, with support from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, had backed the Northern Alliance led by Ahmad Shah Masood during the 1996-2001 Taliban rule.


The three nations have consistently demanded an inclusive regime in Kabul, and Iran recently hosted Ahmad Masoud from the anti-Taliban alliance for a meeting with Hazara leader Ismail Khan. Iran had even gone to the extent of demanding elections.

According to reports in Iranian media, Shamkhani during his meeting with Patrushev highlighted the crises facing the region, including terrorism, military invasion and occupation, and immigration.

He is understood to have said that the solution to the Afghan crisis is in continuing with inter-Afghan dialogue and forming an all-inclusive government in the country.

Iran is concerned over the developments in Afghanistan and its impact of instability on the people's livelihood and security, Shamkhani told Patrushev, adding that Iran would spare no effort to help the Afghan people.