India against military intervention in Syria: Khurshid

“We have consistently called upon all sides to abjure violence so that conditions can be created for an inclusive political dialogue leading to a comprehensive political solution,taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people,” he said.

Stressing against any external military intervention in Syria’s affairs,Khurshid said: “We are encouraged by the current proposal,steered by Russia,that is aimed at bringing the Syrian chemical stockpile under international control.

“This proposal is in alignment with India’s own consistent stance of supporting the complete destruction and elimination of chemical weapons worldwide.”

India sees any move in this direction,”within the framework of the UN,as a positive development”,he said.

“We are hopeful that this development will reinvigorate the peace efforts towards a political solution to the Syrian conflict,including the early holding of the proposed International Conference on Syria (Geneva-II),bringing all parties to the conflict to the negotiating table,” he added.

The US has been pushing for military intervention in Syria after an alleged chemical weapons attack by President Bashar-al-Assad’s regime killed over 1,000 people.

Khurshid further said India was concerned about security challenges that may emanate from the developing situation in Afghanistan.

“We see SCO as an important body that can offer a credible alternative regional platform to discuss the challenges related to Afghanistan,” he said.

India strongly believes Afghanistan can successfully complete the security,political and economic transitions in coming years and regain its historical place as a hub for regional trade and transit routes,he said.

“However,this presupposes fulfillment of pledges made by the international community for security and civilian assistance to Afghanistan and non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs,” he said.

The summit of the six-member regional grouping is taking place at a “crucial juncture in global politics,with many nations seared by violence and conflict”,Khurshid remarked.

“We have today the opportunity to reflect on events of deep geo-political significance in our neighbourhood,” he said.