Army Chief Bipin Rawat open to talks with Afghan Taliban, sans conditions

Contradicting the steadfast stand of the Indian government, Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday publicly backed a dialogue with the Taliban that he said should be held “without pre-conditions.”

“There should be talks with the Taliban, so long as they do not come with any preconditions; so long as they are looking at lasting peace in Afghanistan; and bringing about stability in that country. It is in our interest, in the region’s interest and in Pakistan’s interest,” Rawat said.

The Army chief was participating in a discussion on terrorism at the ongoing Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, which brings together experts