India Reaffirms Support for Afghanistan at 8th Moscow Format Consultations; Commitment to Afghanistan’s Sovereignty and Welfare Reiterated

India has reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity at the 8th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, hosted by Russia in Moscow. India also reiterated its commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people.

The Indian delegation was led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar and Joint Secretary (PAI) Dr. M. Suresh Kumar.

Representatives from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan attended the consultations. Afghanistan was represented by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, while Belarus and Egypt participated as guest countries.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, participants stressed the need to strengthen cooperation with Kabul on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. They also expressed support for Afghanistan’s integration into the global economy.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the Moscow Format brings together countries seeking equal and mutually beneficial partnerships with Afghanistan.

The Moscow Format was established in 2017 to promote national reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Lavrov held talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on bilateral cooperation and coordination in international and regional forums.