India will host a high-level regional security dialogue on November over the developments in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover. The Delhi Regional Security Dialogue, which was held in September 2018 and December 2019, was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting will be chaired by India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Central Asian countries as well as Russia and Iran have confirmed participation. There is no confirmation yet from China while Pakistan has declined saying India is a "spoiler"in Afghanistan. This is for the first time that all Central Asian countries, not just Afghanistan's immediate land neighbours, are participating in this format of dialogue, Indian officials stated.

"Pakistan's decision is unfortunate, but not surprising. It reflects its mindset of viewing Afghanistan as its protectorate. Pakistan has not attended the previous meetings of this format. Its media comments against India are an unsuccessful attempt to deflect attention from its pernicious role in Afghanistan," an official source, declining not to be named, was quoted as saying by NDTV.

 The high-level participation in next week's meeting reflects widespread and growing concern of regional countries about the situation in Afghanistan and their desire to consult and coordinate with each other, officials said. (SAM)