What follows is an oral intervention on Afghanistan delivered by Anusmrta Singh to the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council during the General Debate for Item 10: Technical assistance and capacity building.

Madam President,

The Next Century Foundation is encouraged by the initiative that the State of India has taken in assuring the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan of its support during its United Nations Security Council term and encourages other regional powers, most especially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, that have historically played a role in Afghanistan, to further support the country while negotiations in Doha continue. The Next Century Foundation urges India and Pakistan to find common ground in Afghanistan and work jointly, setting aside their differences to ensure a better future for the Afghan people.

The Next Century Foundation is also encouraged by the recent Taliban visit to Turkmenistan to disperse security concerns in regard to the planned TAPI natural gas pipeline from Turkmenistan, through Afghanistan, and Pakistan to India. This is an example of a project that can herald vital cooperation between these four countries whose economic interests are tied. We hope this may yet signal a shared goal of supporting peace in Afghanistan. We commend the United States of America for trying to ensure the success of the partnership and guarantee the necessary development this pipeline will bring. We hope that this will be the first of many mutually beneficial agreements, such as that for the potential provision of hydroelectric power to Pakistan. Such projects are a welcome indication of future regional cooperation that can make the region a leading economic and trading hub one day.