Afghanistan – India Calls for Updated UN Approach on Afghanistan Sanctions
Afghanistan – India has urged the United Nations to reassess its sanctions framework on Afghanistan, arguing that international policies should reflect the country’s evolving political landscape and focus more on encouraging constructive developments. The call was made during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, where India highlighted the need for a balanced approach that supports the Afghan population while promoting stability and progress.
India Advocates a Practical Policy Shift
Speaking at the Security Council session on Afghanistan, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, said the current sanctions structure should acknowledge the significant political changes that have taken place in Afghanistan over the past five years. According to him, international mechanisms should not rely exclusively on punitive measures but should also encourage positive actions that benefit ordinary Afghans.
He emphasized that the global community requires policy tools capable of guiding developments in a constructive direction. Such measures, he noted, should help improve conditions on the ground rather than depend solely on restrictions that may no longer produce the desired outcomes.
Sanctions Framework Remains a Key Issue
The discussion comes as several senior Taliban figures continue to be listed under the United Nations Security Council’s 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee. The Taliban assumed control of Kabul in August 2021, leading to renewed debates within the international community regarding engagement with Afghanistan’s governing authorities.
Last year, the sanctions committee approved a temporary exemption from travel restrictions for acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The exemption allowed him to undertake international visits, including a trip to India, where discussions focused on bilateral engagement and humanitarian cooperation.
Longstanding India-Afghanistan Ties
India also reaffirmed its historical relationship with Afghanistan, describing the partnership as one built on decades of cooperation and mutual goodwill. Ambassador Parvathaneni said the deep-rooted connections between the two nations continue to shape their engagement today.
He stressed that India remains committed to supporting peace, stability, and economic development in Afghanistan. The objective, he said, is to help create conditions that can improve the lives of Afghan citizens and contribute to the country’s long-term recovery.
Development Projects Across Afghanistan
Highlighting India’s ongoing assistance efforts, the ambassador noted that Indian-supported humanitarian and capacity-building initiatives extend across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. These efforts are linked to more than 500 development partnership projects covering sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and community welfare.
India believes that sustained support can play an important role in addressing the challenges faced by Afghan communities. The country has continued to provide assistance despite the complex political situation and economic difficulties affecting Afghanistan.
Focus on Humanitarian Support
Parvathaneni also pointed to visits by Afghan ministers to India during the previous year, saying these interactions helped strengthen planning and coordination for aid delivery. Such engagement, he explained, ensures that assistance reaches the people who need it most.
He further observed that many Afghans have endured decades of conflict, instability, and hardship. While active hostilities have declined in several areas, he warned that the country now faces the challenge of insufficient international attention. According to India, continued global engagement is essential to prevent further humanitarian difficulties and support Afghanistan’s path toward stability and development.