India, Iran send a common Afghan message: Chide foreign interference; bat for inclusive govt

India and Iran have discussed the necessity for an all-encompassing government in Kabul that includes representatives of all Afghan tribes and ethnic groups, and without naming Pakistan, chided foreign interference in Afghanistan when foreign minister S Jaishankar met his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian in New York on Tuesday - their second meeting in less than a week.
The two foreign ministers focused on the latest situation in Afghanistan and noted that it was necessary to establish an all-encompassing government in Kabul that includes representatives of all Afghan tribes and ethnic groups, ET has learnt. Both Iran and India have been strident in their demand for an inclusive government in Kabul with Tehran even going to the extent of suggesting an election to elect next regime in the Afghan capital.

India and Iran have been cooperating their respective approaches in the Afghan sector and two meetings in quick succession signifies importance of the partnership. The two foreign ministers met last Thursday in Dushanbe on the sidelines of the SCO summit amid plans by the Iranian minister to visit India in coming weeks. Jaishankar had also met the Iranian President on that occasion.

"Good to meet FM @Amirabdolahian of Iran again. Continued our conversation on strengthening bilateral cooperation. Meeting reaffirmed our convergence on regional issues," tweeted Jaishankar.

At Tuesday's meeting, the two ministers also stressed the need for having broader consultations,according to an Iranian government readout.