India considers combating terrorism in Afghanistan an immediate priority, according to New Delhi's Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj.
India has "direct stakes in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan", she told the Security Council on Wednesday.
Listing "our common and immediate priorities" in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, she mentioned "combating terrorism and drug trafficking" along with safeguarding the rights of women, children and minorities, and the formation of an inclusive government.
Calling attention to the "distressing humanitarian situation" in the country battered by floods, earthquakes and an inundation of refugees, she said that assistance for the Afghan people is important.
"India has delivered material humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and has also continued its educational scholarships for the Afghan students. We have also partnered with various UN agencies, including UNWFP (World Food Programme) and UNODC (Office on Drugs and Crime) in their humanitarian efforts".
"Our humanitarian assistance will continue for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan," she declared at the Council's meeting that heard a briefing on Afghanistan.
Kamboj made it a point to reiterate that all of Kashmir, including those under occupation by Pakistan, is a part of India by describing India "as a contiguous neighbour to Afghanistan".
The head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva, Ramesh Rajasinghm said that the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people were at record levels, with more than 29 million people requiring help.
"New developments continue to pile on the pressure," he said.
The three 6.3 magnitude earthquakes over eight days in the western province of Herat damaged 40,000 homes affecting 275,000 people.
In the eastern and southern regions, there has been a dramatic surge in the number of Afghans returning from Pakistan, which ordered out about 1 million Afghan refugees living there.
"More than 450,000 Afghans have returned, more than 85 per cent of whom are women and children," he said.
Pakistan's Permanent Representative Munir Akram made a veiled accusation against India claiming that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan "receives support from our main adversary".
By sneakily slipping that in without directly naming it, he avoided India exercising the right of reply which would have allowed it to bring up Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism and providing a sanctuary to terrorists.
The representative of Pakistan, which had sheltered the Taliban and al-Qaeda, accused the Taliban regime now ruling Afghanistan of protecting various terrorist groups, including the TTP.
If the Taliban is not made to act against terrorists, Akram said, "We will see the recurrence and proliferation of terrorism from Afghanistan, as happened prior to 9/11."
Pakistan had, in fact, sheltered al-Qaeda leaders Osama bin Laden and others behind the terrorist group's September 11, 2001 attack on the US.
At the same time, Akram praised aspects of the Taliban rule saying that the militant Islamic fundamentalists had improved the law and order situation and the economy and reduced opium production and corruption.
The polarisation in the Council manifested itself again over the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls, and how to deal with the regime..
US Alternate Representative Robert Wood said the US "will not consider any significant steps toward normalisation of relations with the Taliban until women and girls have meaningful access to education, the workforce, and other aspects of social and political life".
"The Security Council must continue to work together to press the Taliban to reverse their destructive course," he said.
But China's Deputy Permanent Representative Geng Shuang called for unconditional negotiations with the Taliban regime and said Beijing opposed attempts to “instrumentalise or weaponise” the issue of women’s rights.
Nupi Lal Day celebrated in Tripura, Assam & B’desh; rich tributes paid to women freedom fighters
The historic ‘Nupi Lal’ (women’s war) day was observed in Tripura, Assam and Bangladesh besides in Manipur to pay rich tributes to women freedom fighters who took part in the war against colonial British actions in 1904 and 1939.
Government Focuses on Developing Betlingchhip: Sushanta
The Tripura government has initiated significant measures to develop Betlingchhip, the highest peak in the state, located in the picturesque Jampui Hills of the North District.
Improved infrastructure paves way for Tripura’s success in sports: Tripura CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that Tripura's identity in the field of sports is highly acclaimed at the national level and with improved infrastructure; the state is witnessing excellence in various sports.
Leaders of the Mizo Convention meet Sushanta on development of Jampui Hills
Leaders of the Mizo Convention met with Tripura's Tourism Minister, Sushanta Chowdhury, at Eden Lodge, Jampui Hill of Tripura, to discuss key proposals aimed at boosting tourism in the region.
A-HELP programme launched in Tripura; 300 Pashu Sakhis to be trained
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday launched 'A-HELP' (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) program here at Agartala Pragna Bhavan in an event and distributed specialized A-HELP Kits to at least 300 Pashu Sakhis, who will be trained and will be accredited as A-HELP.
NRC should be implemented across the country: Assam CM
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) should be implemented across the country.
India votes in favour of UNGA resolution for 'immediate, unconditional, permanent' Gaza ceasefire
India has joined 157 other nations in supporting a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution demanding an "immediate, unconditional, and permanent" ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Cabinet expansion: CM Fadnavis says no date decided, Ajit Pawar hints for Dec 14
Maharashtra may see cabinet expansion on December 14, two days before the week-long winter session of the state legislature begins in Nagpur. This was hinted at by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar although Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis did not confirm this.