The consultations reflect the importance of and the potential for a significant increase in political and security cooperation between India and Russia in Afghanistan, reported the All India Radio.

Both countries share similar concerns regarding terrorism, especially ensuring that the Taliban keep their promises and guarantees, according to the source.

Russian Federation Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday on a two-day visit for the High Level Intergovernmental Consultation, invited by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, The Pioneer newspaper reported.

India and Russia face common challenges stemming from Afghanistan, such as the rise of terrorist groups, increased drug trafficking, organized crime and the influx of refugees.

Also, a large amount of highly advanced US military equipment is now in the hands of a large number of known terrorist organizations that are part of the Afghan militia, therefore both countries are discussing these issues.

The consultation is a continuation of the telephone conversation held between the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on August 24th.

Following the conversation between Modi and Putin, Russia said the two leaders expressed the intention to enhance cooperation to counter the spread of ‘terrorist ideology’ and the drug threat emerging from Afghanistan. They also agreed to establish a permanent bilateral channel for consultations on the subject.

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