India At UNSC Flags Afghan Returnees, Al Qaeda Links And Terror Sanctuaries

India has raised concerns at the UN Security Council over the humanitarian situation facing Afghan returnees and the continued presence of terrorist networks in and around Afghanistan. Speaking at the UNSC meeting on Afghanistan, India’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said more than 3 million Afghans had been returned in 2025 and 2026, with most of the recent returns involuntary. He stressed that returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified, with sustained international support for reintegration. Harish also invoked the legacy of the 9/11 attacks, warning against “permissive environments” that allow terrorist networks and affiliates to operate. He specifically referenced Al Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.