Govt clarifies it is not engaging with Taliban at Moscow meet

NEW DELHI: The government on Friday made it clear that though retired diplomats were asked to attend the 'Moscow Format' meeting on Afghanistan in Russia, but it never meant that India is trying to engage with the Taliban.

Former Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan attended the meeting.

"When did we say that they will hold discussions with the Taliban? We have only said that as per a considered decision by the government, we will participate in the meeting at a non-official level,'' said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

The government had apparently sought the view of the Afghan government before deciding to send its representatives. While the Afghan government skipped the meeting, the Afghan High Peace Council attended the Moscow gathering. Sources here said the Afghan government was comfortable with India's decision to participate in the meeting.

"India's consistent policy has been that such efforts should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting was at the non-official level,'' Kumar added.