Minister meets Arab envoys

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 27. India today briefed the Arab and Central Asian nations on its approach to the current confrontation between the U.S. and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

The Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Omar Abdullah, called in the Ambassadors from these countries for an exchange of views on the unfolding crisis. Envoys from 24 countries were present.

Mr. Abdullah said India did not equate international terrorism with Islam. It was aware of the threats posed by extremism and international terrorism to many countries in West and Central Asia. Many of them have been fighting Islamic terrorist groups for a long time.

India has, in recent years, reached out to key Islamic nations in pursuit of international cooperation against terrorism. The policies of the Taliban have also threatened the security of many countries in the region and India hopes to work with them in promoting regional stability.

However, there is also some concern in India and West Asia that the American use of military force against the Taliban may have unpredictable consequences in this volatile region. While many moderate regimes of the region have cautiously supported American war against international terrorism, they are concerned at a possible backlash against the U.S. and local governments. Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary, Ms. Chokila Iyer, exchanged views with the envoys from the U.S., China, France, Britain and Japan among others. She is also expected to interact with ambassadors from the neighbouring countries over the next few days.

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Section  : National
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