Focus Neighbourhood

Kabul Stands Against Requests to Release Taliban Prisoners
Afghanistan Times | 20^th January
The government of Afghanistan rejected demands over the release of Taliban prisoners, with President Ghani’s adviser saying that they would not be freed “unde

Indian NSA ‘Ajit Doval’ Visits Kabul, Afghan Leaders
The Khaama Press | 13^th January
Ajit Doval India’s National Security Advisor met with President Ashraf Ghani, and Abdullah Abdullah Afghan, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation,

No Compromise on ‘Security and Defense Forces’ in Peace
The Khaama Press | 4^th January
Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said at an event, that he will not compromise on Afghan National Defense and Security forces as long as he is alive.
During

New Year`s gift! India sends BCG vaccines to Maldives
Maldives Times | 31^st December
India which has consolidated its position as the “pharmacy of the world” amid covid crisis has sent the Maldives 2400 vials of BCG vaccine.
The dispatched supply of

Peace can’t be achieved by force
Afghanistan Times | 23^rd December
As the incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump is edging his end at White House, he has escalated efforts – apparently pressurizing the Afghan government to come to a conclusion with th

The Afghans’ Eyes, Hopes and Hearts for Peace in Doha
Afghanistan Times | 16^th December
As the Afghan peace and reconciliation process between the Taliban and the Afghan Government enters a new phase of substantial discussions, both the Afghan people

Report Blames Trump’s Administration for 330% Increase in Civilian Casualties
Daily Outlook Afghanistan (ATN) | 9^th December

Outgoing President Donald Trump’s decision in 2017 to loosen military rules of engagement in Afghanistan that were meant to p

Afghans getting close to peace deal
Afghanistan Times | 2^nd December

Finally after nearly three months of discussion, Afghanistan and Taliban peace representatives said on Wednesday evening that they had reached an agreement on rules and procedures.

Maldives State Shipping launches direct cargo service between South Maldives, India
The Edition | 25^th November

Maldives State Shipping (MSS), launched its vessel 'MV Bonthi-II' on its maiden voyage to Tuticorin Port, beginning its direct cargo ferry

NATO Warns of Greater Risk if U.S. Withdraws before Time from Afghanistan
The Khaama Press | 17^th November

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warns of greater risk if the United States pulls out its forces from the country “too soon” or “uncoord

Biden to Consider Keeping Counterterror Forces in Afghanistan
​​​Daily Outlook Afghanistan (ATN) | 12^th November
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden may consider keeping a small contingent of counterterrorism troops in Afghanistan, a move expected to face

Kabul Welcomes Joint Declaration by EU, Pakistan on Intra-Afghan Negotiations
The Khaama Press | 5^th November
Afghanistan welcomes the joint statement by the European Union and Pakistan declaring their “strong support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owne

Afghan Negotiating Team Discusses Women Role in Peace Process
The Khaama Press | 29^th October
Following a series of consultative meetings on “various strata”, a virtual meeting was held Wednesday between members of the Afghan Negotiating Team and memb

Sri Lanka-India joint naval exercise ends on successful note in Trincomalee
Colombo Page | 21^st October
The annual Sri Lanka Navy - Indian Navy bilateral naval exercise popularly known as ‘SLINEX’, held from 19th to 21st October 2020, came to a succes

Maldives, India sign credit line on Greater Male Connectivity Project
Maldives Times | 13^th October
India’s Export-Import Bank (EXIM), on behalf of the government of India, signed a USD 400 million credit line agreement with the Maldives to fund the G

India, Myanmar Agree Strategic Port Operation in Rakhine Next Year
The Irrawaddy | 6^th October
India and Myanmar agreed this week to move forward on a number of initiatives that are central to New Delhi’s efforts to counter China’s influence in Myanma

US Asks Iran to Join Afghan Peace Talks
Daily Outlook Afghanistan (Pajhwok) | 30^th September
The Trump administration has urged Iran to join the Afghan peace negotiations, says US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.
The Pakistani leadership had been sendi

Ceasefire Top ‘Priority’ for Afghans: Ghani
The Khaama Press | 24^th September
Speaking at the 75^th UN General Assembly through a video conference, President Ashraf Ghani said “Afghan people have a clear and urgent priority: a ceasefire, adding an urg

MoFA to Form Trilateral Commission on Economic Cooperation with Iran and Turkmenistan
The Khaama Press | 17^th September
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a trilateral commission for economic cooperation will be established between Afghanistan, Iran

Spoilers Desperate to Disrupt Peace Process: U.S. Envoy Khalilzad
The Khaama Press | 10^th September

The United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said “spoilers” are desperately trying to “disrupt” the ongo