National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, visited Iran on 26 September 2018 to participate in a meeting focussing on the issue of threat posed by terrorism, including Daesh/ISIS, to regional and global peace, security and stability. Other participants included NSAs/Secretaries to the National Security Council/ Deputy Minister of Security from Afghanistan, China, Iran and Russia.
The meeting provided an opportunity for India and Iran to exchange of views on the issue of terrorism and ways and means to cooperate for effectively dealing with this menace. NSA Ajit Doval articulated India’s abiding commitment to partner in bilateral, regional and global forums for tackling the scourge of terrorism which poses a huge threat to the entire humanity. NSA Ajit Doval highlighted the need to not make a distinction between good and bad terrorism; greater cooperation, including through information sharing for disrupting support mechanisms such as training, financing and supply of weapons; need for disrupting cross-border movement of terrorists; and isolating those who support and sponsor terrorism.
The terrorist violence in Afghanistan was rejected unequivocally by both the sides. Support was expressed to assist the Government and defence forces of Afghanistan to deal with terrorist groups and narcotics smuggling and to assist in reconstruction and economic development of Afghanistan.
Importance was attached to promoting peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan which was Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.
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During his visit, NSA Ajit Doval had separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Iran, Russia and Afghanistan on issues of bilateral mutual interest.
India had earlier strongly condemned the terror attack on a military parade in the Iranian city of Ahvaz in which at least 29 people were killed and 70 others were injured. Unidentified gunmen, wearing military uniforms, opened fire on the Iranian military parade in Ahvaz.
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