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Rising radicalization main cause of challenges faced by region: PM Modi at SCO summit

Highlighting the threats posed by the rising radicalization in the region, PM Modi on Fri said that the biggest challenges faced by the SCO are related to peace, security, and concerns regarding trust deficit.

Ahead of SCO summit, Jaishankar meets Tajikistan’s top leadership over Afghan situation

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also met his Kyrgyz counterpart and the two leaders agreed to strengthen traditional cooperation on regional and multilateral issues.

India in touch with all concerned, says MEA on reports of Indian kidnapped in Kabul

As per reports, Bansri Lal Arendeh, who has been doing business in Kabul for the last two decades, was kidnapped at gunpoint from the Afghan capital Tue. India on Thu said it is in touch with all concerned following reports that an Indian national has been kidnapped from Kabul.

India expresses concern over activities by Khalistani separatist groups in the US

External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said ensuring the security of the Prime Minister and his delegation was an important issue when asked about reports that a banned Khalistani group is planning to hold protests in Washington and New York during PM Modi’s visit to the two cities.

IAF chief addresses Central Air Command, urges stronger physical, cyber security

Air Chief RKS Bhadauria on Thu addressed the top brass of the Central Air Command and urged them to ensure robust physical and cyber security of airbases and assets.

GST Council Meet Begins: Tax Compensation on Covid Drugs, Petrol, Zomato Under GST

The 45th Goods and Services Tax Council meet, the first in-person meeting in nearly 2 years has started in Lucknow on Fri. From bringing petroleum products under the ambit of GST to extending the GST exemption on Covid-essential items, there has been a host of issues that are going to be discussed in the GST Council meeting on Sept 17.

India administered over 1.97cr till 5 pm Covid vaccine doses, counting still going on, set a new single-day record.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 71 on Friday.

PM to meet Principal and Cabinet Secretaries of different Departments tomorrow at 4:30 PM, to review the progress and to draw blueprints for future.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

Afghanistan on verge of economic collapse as cash crisis continues ANI

Afghanistan’s already weak economy has taken a nosedive after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul last month, according to multiple reports. Soon after the Taliban’s siege of Kabul on August 15, foreign assistance was immediately frozen.

Afghanistan: Haqqani network’s Anas Haqqani says India is ‘not a true friend’

“India has been biased and fuelling the fire of war for the past 20 years. As yet, India has not done anything for peace. As yet, their role has been negative. Even in the media, there is a reflection. It portrayed Talibs as very bad people,” said Anas Haqqani, the scion of Afghanistan’s feared Haqqani network.

‘Give them time’: Imran Khan defends Taliban again, terms Haqqani terror network a tribal group

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that the Taliban must fulfill the promises it has made in Afghanistan and called on the international community to stand with the people of the war-torn country. While Pak NSA criticizes ‘wait and watch’ policy on recognizing Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf has said that the ‘wait and watch’ policy on recognizing the Taliban regime was flawed and could result in the economic collapse of the conflict-torn country.

China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iran must exert positive influence to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan-Wang

As important neighbors of Afghanistan need to strengthen communication and coordination, make unanimous voices, exert positive influence and play a constructive role in promoting the smooth transition of the situation in Afghanistan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said with senior officials from Russia, Pakistan, and Iran at an informal meeting on Afghanistan in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe on Thu. Countries in the region expect the new Afghan govt to be inclusive, anti-terrorist, and friendly to neighbors, Wang stressed.

AUKUS defense pact formed after deep consideration informed India about the decision: Australian High Commissioner

Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell on Fri said that decision to form AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) defense partnership was taken after deep consideration and Canberra informed their Indian counterparts about the decision. Experts believe it is a veiled way to confront China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

Rising radicalization main cause of challenges faced by region: PM Modi at SCO summit (ANI)

Highlighting the threats posed by the rising radicalization in the region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the biggest challenges faced by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are related to peace, security, and concerns regarding trust deficit.

While addressing the Plenary Session of the 21^st Meeting of SCO Council of Heads of State, PM Modi said,

“The biggest challenges in this area are related to peace, security, and trust deficit. The main cause of these problems is increasing radicalization. Recent developments in Afghanistan have made this challenge clear.”

Referring to the historical trends, PM said the region of Central Asia has been a bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values.

“Traditions like Sufism flourished here over the centuries and spread throughout the region and the world. We can still see their image in the cultural heritage of this region.”

• Keeping in view the 20^th anniversary of the SCO forum, PM said that the members’ countries must encourage our talented youngsters towards science and rational thinking. “
• Underlining the importance of connectivity in the region, PM Modi said that any connectivity initiative cannot be one-way.
• “India is committed to increasing its connectivity with Central Asia. We believe that landlocked Central Asian countries can benefit immensely by connecting with India’s vast market,” he added
• He also welcomed the three new dialogue partners – Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar.

Ahead of SCO summit, Jaishankar meets Tajikistan’s top leadership over Afghan situation

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thu met Tajikistan’s top leadership Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and exchanged views on the recent developments in Afghanistan and their impact on regional security.
• Jaishankar, who is in the Tajik capital to attend a key meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on the situation in Afghanistan after its takeover by the Taliban, called on Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon.
• He said that India and Tajikistan are strong partners in fighting terrorism, fundamentalism, and radicalism.
• “A good discussion on arrival with Tajik FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin. Look forward to continuing it tomorrow, he tweeted after meeting his Tajik counterpart.
• Jaishankar also met his Kyrgyz counterpart Ruslan Kazakbaev. The two leaders noted growing development in partnership and the two leaders agreed to strengthen traditional cooperation on regional and multilateral issues.
• Jaishankar has also met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and Iranian counterpart Amir-Abdollahian, in bilateral meetings.
• Among other leaders, Jaishankar also met on Fri with his counterparts from Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, and Uzbekistan, Abdulaziz Kamilov. Our conversation focused on the Afghanistan situation. As countries combating terrorism and fundamentalism, our close cooperation is in mutual interest, he tweeted after the meeting
• Jaishankar will attend a meeting on Afghanistan of the heads of state of SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation.
• Dr. SJaishankar meets his Belarus counterpart Vladimir Makei during the SCO Summit in Dushanbe. Dr Jaishankar said India and Belarus’ economic cooperation has progressed visibly and he is looking forward to further growth of ties.

The SCO, which was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, seen as a counterweight to NATO, is an 8-member economic and security bloc and has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organizations. India and Pakistan became its permanent members in 2017.

• India has shown keen interest in deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defense.
• India was made an observer at the SCO in 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

Essential that China shouldn’t’ view ties with India through the lens of the 3^rd country: Jaishankar tells Wang at SCO ANI

Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the Summit and discussed the disengagement process between the two countries along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Jaishankar stated that it is essential that China does not view its relations with India through the lens of a third country. China and India should set an example for Asian solidarity.

“Emphasized that India does not subscribe to any clash of civilizations theory. It is also essential that China does not view its relations with India through the lens of a third country. As for Asian solidarity, it is for China and India to set an example,” tweeted Jaishankar.

• Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for the development of bilateral ties,” added Jaishankar.
• EAM noted that since their last meeting on July 14, the two sides had made some progress in the resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh and had completed the disengagement in the Gogra area.
• “However there were still some outstanding issues that needed to be resolved,” read the Ministry of External Affairs release.
• Jaishankar recalled that Wang had in their last meeting noted that the bilateral relations were at low ebb.
• Both sides had agreed that a prolongation of the existing situation was not in the interest of either side as it was impacting the relationship in a negative manner.
• Jaishankar further underlined that it was necessary to ensure progress in the resolution of remaining issues to restore peace and tranquillity along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh noting that peace and tranquillity in the border areas have been an essential basis for progress in the bilateral relations.
• While New Delhi talks about building “Asian solidarity” with Beijing, China continues to ratchet up its hostility against India. The Chinese foreign ministry on Thu cites an outdated UNSC resolution (Resolution 1172, 1998) to oppose India’s impending Agni-5 long-range missile test.

India expresses concern over activities by Khalistani separatist groups in the US

External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said ensuring the security of the Prime Minister and his delegation was an important issue when asked about reports that a banned Khalistani group is planning to hold protests in Washington and New York during PM Modi’s visit to the two cities.

Referring to a report by leading American think-tank Hudson Institute about the Khalistani groups, he said it reflected how Pakistan was continuing efforts to undertake activities against India from the US. (as reported on Thu)

“I do not know about the specific call given by the banned outfit. I am not going to comment on that. But we certainly take a lot of interest in ensuring the security of the Prime Minister and his delegation,” Bagchi said at a media briefing.

• “We convey and share (this) with the host country, in this case, the US. If the organization is banned, it should not be undertaking these kinds of activities,” he said.
• The MEA said the issue is not about protest. “This issue is about security and these are organizations that have had problems in the past in terms of terrorist activities etc. I would not like to go into details,” he added.
• In the report by the Hudson Institute, Bagchi said it makes it clear how Pakistan has yet again continued its efforts in trying to undertake activities against India including terrorism.
• “It was very focused on activities they are taking on American soil. I do hope that authorities in the US will see that and understand the risks that this kind of activities pose for countries that have a shared vision against terrorism and violence,” Bagchi said.
• The think-tank said Pakistan-backed Khalistani separatist groups, banned by the Indian government, are quietly gaining ground in the US and that Washington has so far remained indifferent to the appeals made by New Delhi to curb their activities.
• The US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan group, was banned by the Indian government in 2019 for its alleged anti-national activities.
• PM Modi will travel to the US next week to participate in the first in-person summit of the Quad that is expected to broadly focus on contemporary global challenges including the Afghan crisis, the coronavirus pandemic, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• He will attend the Quad summit on Sept 24 in Washington and address the 76^th session of the UN general assembly in New York the next day.
• PM Modi is going to the US for the 1^st time since US President Joe Biden, took office and will have a bilateral meeting with him, along with other bilateral meetings with other leaders in New York.
• The last time PM Modi visited the US was in Sept 2019 when he and then US President Donald Trump addressed the Howdy-Modi event in Houston.
• The US is hosting the in-person summit of the leaders of Quad to boost practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as well as to send a strong signal about Washington’s commitment to the grouping.

IAF chief addresses Central Air Command, urges stronger physical, cyber security

• Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Thu addressed the top brass of the Central Air Command and urged them to ensure robust physical and cyber security of airbases and assets.
• The Air Chief emphasized the need for critical analysis to enhance operational preparedness, focus on maintenance practices and ensure robust physical and cyber security, the IAF said in a release.
• He directed the Commanders to ensure that the readiness of all platforms, weapon systems, and assets are kept at the highest level.
• Urging the Commanders to continue their efforts in ensuring a safe operational flying environment, the Air Chief Marshal stressed the need to augment the combat capability of the Indian Air Force through innovation, self-reliance, and indigenization. (ANI)

Afghanistan: Haqqani network’s Anas Haqqani says India is ‘not a true friend’ (WION)

• The Haqqani Network’s scion Anas Haqqani has criticized the Indian government and media, claiming that India’s policy toward Afghanistan needs to change.
• He claimed the people of Afghanistan “understand India is not a true friend.”
• Refuting the news of a dispute in top Taliban leadership, Haqqani has said that there are no differences between Taliban leadership.
• He alleged that rumors of clashes within the Taliban leadership are being spread by elements linked to the former govt of Ashraf Ghani.
• He also said that Germany could be the first one to open its embassy in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan on verge of economic collapse as cash crisis continues ANI

Afghanistan’s already weak economy has taken a nosedive after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul last month, according to multiple reports.

• Soon after the Taliban’s siege of Kabul on Aug 15, foreign assistance was immediately frozen.
• Besides this, the US stopped USD 9.4 billion in reserves to the country’s central bank, The New York Post reported.
• Moreover, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank have also stoped loans, and the Financial Action Task Force warned its 39 member nations to block Taliban assets.
• The IMF has said its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity within the international community on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban.
• Scores of people have been seen waiting in long lines to withdraw their savings since the Taliban’s takeover.
• Reports of freezing of Afghanistan’s bank assets by the US as well as the announced halt of funds by the international agencies have fueled concerns among Afghans.
• According to other experts, an informal economy may be the only way for Afghans, including the new government, to stay afloat.
• According to The Post, the Taliban themselves primarily relied on hawala to survive during their insurgency years.
• Amid the worsening economic situation in the country, the United Nations has pledged more than USD 1 billion in aid for Afghanistan, warning that majority of the population could soon plummet below the poverty line.
• Muhammad Suleiman Bin Shah, the deputy minister of commerce and industries in the last Afghan govt said the country had a fragile economy before the takeover.

SCO countries should help Afghanistan: Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Fri said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states should facilitate a smooth transition in Afghanistan and encourage Kabul to install a broad-based and inclusive political govt, while Xi was addressing a meeting of the heads of state of the SCO in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, via video link.

China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iran must exert positive influence to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan-Wang

Wang made five proposals on the next-stage coordination on the Afghan issue, including

1. urging the US to perform its duties to provide economic and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan,
2. contacting and guiding Afghanistan to form an inclusive political structure and
3. implement moderate domestic and foreign policies and
4. respect the basic rights of ethnic minorities, women, and children,
5. help the country to integrate itself into regional economic cooperation and connectivity networks, and achieve economic development and prevent spillover of security risks.

• The informal meeting was also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and Assistant to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Rasoul Mousavi.
• In a talk with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Dushanbe, Wang said that China is ready to strengthen coordination with Russia to jointly handle the issue of Afghanistan, urge US-led Western countries to shoulder their responsibility, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.
• The Russian Foreign Minister noted that his country firmly supports China’s position on the issues of Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Tibet, and human rights.

In a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Wang said that China supports Iran to become a member of the SCO, is willing to work with Iran to strengthen coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, jointly promote the Iran nuclear agreement negotiations to adhere to the correct direction and reach a consensus as soon as possible.

China is also ready to work with Iran to promote Afghanistan to form an inclusive political framework, maintain friendly relations with its neighbors, and take practical actions to crack down on all forms of terrorism, Wang said.

Taliban must fulfill promises made in Afghanistan, says Pakistan PM at SCO summit

• The premier expressed these views while addressing the 20^th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) Summit in Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe.
• Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf, and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry were also present alongside the premier.
• The prime minister said that it was also important to ensure respect for the rights of all Afghans while ensuring that it is never again a safe haven for terrorists.
• He said that Pakistan, which had suffered due to the spillover of conflict and instability in the neighboring country, had an interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
• Commenting on the situation in Afghanistan, PM Imran said that a “new reality” had been established in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover and withdrawal of foreign troops.
• “It is now in the international community’s collective interest to ensure that there is no renewed conflict in Afghanistan and the security situation is stabilized,” he said while seeking time from the International community for the Taliban.
• The PM said that preventing a humanitarian crisis and an economic meltdown were “equally urgent priorities”.
• “We must remember that the previous govt depended heavily on foreign aid and its removal could lead to economic collapse,” he said, adding that now was the moment to stand with the Afghans “firmly and unequivocally”.
• He said that it would be unwise to spread negativity or indulge in propaganda at this critical juncture. “This will only serve to undermine the prospects for peace, to the detriment of Afghan people,” he said.

Shift to geoeconomics

• The premier also highlighted that sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan will ultimately benefit the region, adding that the government had shifted its focus from geopolitics to geoeconomics.
• He said that Pakistan offered the shortest route to the sea for many of its partners in Central Asia, and commended the Uzbekistan president for hosting a conference on regional connectivity in Tashkent last July.
• Upon arriving at the Nauroz Palace, the venue of the SCO meeting, the prime minister was warmly received by Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon.