Context:
The signing of the peace deal between the U.S. and the Taliban in Doha.

Details:

  • India has been invited to the ceremony of signing of the peace deal. Around 24 countries are expected to participate in the ceremony.
  • India has always held that the peace negotiation should be Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled and has emphasized on the participation of the Afghan government in the ceremony as it would indicate that the U.S.-Taliban deal will be all inclusive.
  • India was waiting to see the stance of the government of President Ashraf Ghani.
  • Subsequent to a six-member Afghan delegation from Kabul conducting negotiations in Doha with the Taliban, India has confirmed its participation also.
    • The negotiation is about the release of 5,000 Taliban fighters who are in the custody of the Afghanistan government. This issue is part of the draft peace agreement, and Kabul is expected to deal with this soon after the U.S.-Taliban deal is signed on February 29.
    • The same six-member delegation from Kabul will represent the government of Afghanistan in the ceremony and begin the intra-Afghan negotiations.