Additional Secretary (Multilateral Diplomacy), Shri Gitesh Sarma led the Indian delegation to the 2nd meeting of SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group Meeting that was held in Beijing on 28 May, 2018. This was the second meeting of the Contact Group following the
expansion of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in June 2017 with India becoming its full member.
The meeting discussed issues on 3 agendas, namely the current situation of Afghanistan and its neighbouring regions, the reconciliation process in Afghanistan and role of SCO and measures for cooperation between SCO and Afghanistan. India shared its perspectives
on the security situation in Afghanistan, including security challenges posed by terrorism and extremism imposed from beyond its borders, extended support to the peace offer made by the President of Afghanistan to the armed opposition for talks in February
2018, need for an Afghan led, Afghan owned and Afghan controlled national peace and reconciliation in an environment free of terror and violence, continued assistance for socio-economic development based on priorities of the people of Afghanistan and ensuring
greater connectivity and regional integration for Afghanistan. India reiterated its support to the membership of Afghanistan in the SCO.
India also conveyed its readiness to work closely with the SCO member States in efforts to bring peace, prosperity and stability in Afghanistan.
On the sidelines of the Contact Group meeting, the Indian delegation held bilateral consultations with the delegations of China, Afghanistan, Russia and Tajikistan.
Beijing
May 28, 2018