India’s stance on UNSC Resolution 2615

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted resolution 2615 (2021) permitting a carve out in sanctions against the Taliban to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

About Resolution 2615

• The carve out covers urgently needed humanitarian assistance and other activities that support basic human needs in Afghanistan. The resolution mandates a review of the carve out every six months.
• It includes activities related to shelter and settlement assistance, food security, education, livelihoods support, energy, water, sanitation, health including COVID-related assistance, nutrition, and hygiene, among others.
• These activities aim primarily to benefit the poor or at-risk populations and relieve human suffering.

India’s Stance

• India said that humanitarian assistance should be based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence.
• It reiterated that disbursement of aid should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political belief. The assistance should reach the most vulnerable first, including women, children and minorities.

Possibilities and Prospects

• India should try to garner support from Russia and China in its efforts to ensure a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan which is in India’s own and the regions’ collective interests.
• Engaging in talks with Taliban would allow India to seek security guarantees from the Taliban in return for continued development assistance or other pledges as well as explore the possibility of the Taliban’s autonomy from Pakistan.