NEW DELHI, June 16:
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar compared notes on the unfolding security and political situation in and around the Gulf region in an array of meetings in the Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday.
On his way back from Nairobi, the EAM met US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and “exchanged perspectives” on Afghanistan and the region.
The meeting is significant when seen in the context of the deteriorating security situation in the conflict-wracked South Asian country in the wake of the US drawdown that is scheduled to get over by September 11. And there were reports that India has for the first time opened channels of communication with the Taliban leaders, including Mullah Baradar.
Earlier at the Heart of Asia Conference in Dushanbe in March, the EAM had voiced grave concern over the violence in Afghanistan and said that there is need for “genuine double peace” in and around the country. Notably, Doha has been the venue for the peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.
The EAM held talks with his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah. With Al-Thani, Jaishankar in a tweet said he “discussed bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional issues.”
In his conversation with the defence minister, he “reviewed the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways to enhance them, as well as the latest developments in the region,” said the Qatar news agency, QNA.
Jaishankar also said in another tweet that he “valued the discussion on global and regional developments, and committed to strengthening our bilateral partnership.” Qatar is the largest exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to India. There are more than 6,000 Indian companies engaged in various sectors in the Gulf nation implementing mega projects such as Doha Metro project and Stadium projects for the FIFA World Cup 2022.
This was Jaishankar’s second visit to Doha in a week as he was the Qatari capital while on his way to Kuwait.
Tuesday’s visit took place on a day Doha hosted the foreign ministers of the Arab League.
The EAM met his Jordanian and Palestinian counterparts Ayman Safadi and Dr Riyad al-Maliki at the Doha airport.
Israel last week saw a change in government while the ceasefire agreed in May between Israel and Hamas is largely holding.
Jaishankar’s visit also took place just three days ahead of the presidential election in Iran on June 18.
Iran, though less mentioned, is a key player in Afghanistan.
Qatar has strong ties with Iran. (UNI)
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