New Delhi: With the US strategy in Afghanistan hitting roadblocks with its sharply deteriorating relations with Pakistan, a trilateral mechanism between the US, Australia and India can help prevent Taliban elements from regaining control, says a study by three prominent think tanks.
The paper, jointly written by scholars from the Heritage Foundation, US, Observer Research Foundation, India, and Lowy Institute for International Policy, Australia, points out that the three countries share the goal of stabilising Afghanistan and ensuring that it does not again become a safe haven for international terrorists.
It suggests that the three countries should increase consultations and information and intelligence sharing on terrorist networks. These groups include al Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jemaah Islamiyah, and other groups and individuals that are loosely or closely affiliated with al Qaeda.
This trilateral cooperation could extend to discussion of how to prevent globally inspired but locally generated attacks, the joint paper says.
It suggests that Washington and Canberra should bolster New Delhi`s initiatives to shore up the country`s democratic institutions and promote respect for the rights of women and religious minorities as a guard against Taliban extremists gaining ground in Afghan politics.
"As a long-time target of terrorism linked to entities in Afghanistan, India has every right to safeguard its interests there," the paper, which was released in a news magazine, says.
PTI
