India has voiced support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people at the 8th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, hosted by Russia in Moscow. Indian delegation was led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar and Joint Secretary (PAI) Dr. M. Suresh Kumar. The consultations were attended by representatives from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with Afghanistan represented by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Belarus and Egypt participated as guests.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, participants reaffirmed the need to develop cooperation with Kabul on an equal and mutually beneficial basis and support Afghanistan’s integration into the global economy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the forum 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 Foreign Minister Muttaqi on bilateral cooperation and coordination in international and regional forums.