India pitches for greater role of SCO in Afghanistan

India today sought greater space for Shanghai Cooperation Organization member-countries in rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan and said the grouping can play a significant role in countering terrorism in the region.
Addressing the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Tashkent, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh said India would like to see all countries under SCO umbrella "vanquish terrorism from their territories and areas under their sovereign control."
On the situation in Afghanistan, she said India believed a "long-term solution can be achieved by supporting the efforts made by Afghanistan to begin an Afghan-led dialogue on reconciliation with the armed opposition forces, provided these groups respect the principles adopted by the international community."

She said India was cognizant of terrorism as the "major threat" to the security and stability of Afghanistan.
"On its part, India remains committed to Afghanistan's institutional and socio-economic development and the overall social upliftment of its people. We are of the opinion that SCO should step up its engagement in the rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan, through common projects and financial commitments," Singh said.
China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are members in the SCO while India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan have observer status in it.

On the issue of nuclear energy, she said India recognized the "inalienable right" of all states to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with universally agreed international norms, conventions and obligations.

"In this context, we are encouraged by the recent tidings about the multilateral dialogue in Geneva to explore a comprehensive settlement of the Iranian nuclear question, through political and diplomatic means," she said.
The Foreign Secretary said the "positive resolution" of the issue can lead to multiple and far-reaching benefits across the region.