Question : TALKS WITH TALIBAN

(a) whether the Government is aware of the tripartite talks going on between U.S. Government, Government of Afghanistan and certain Taliban factions; and

(b) if so, details thereof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) The Government is aware of reports on reconciliation talks with Taliban factions in Afghanistan, including reports of direct contacts between U.S. officials and representatives of Taliban. During the second India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi on 19 July, 2011, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment for consultation, coordination, and cooperation on Afghanistan, and to work jointly in Afghanistan in capacity building, agriculture, and women’s empowerment, expanding on work already underway. Both sides agreed to Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and inclusive reconciliation.