• BRICS seeks ‘inclusive’ intra-Afghan dialogue
• The 13th BRICS summit held virtually on Thursday called for an “inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue” for stability in Afghanistan. The virtual summit, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was dominated by the developments in Afghanistan, and adopted the BRICS Counter Terrorism Action Plan

   ‘Use peaceful means’

• The discussion on Afghanistan at the event attended by the leaders of India, Russia, China, Brazil and South Africa was held against the backdrop of the Taliban announcing an interim government in Kabul.The meeting gave an opportunity to the BRICS countries to discuss the situation in Afghanistan especially as two of the five members — Russia and China — continue to have a diplomatic presence in Kabul where an interim Taliban government is expected to take formal charge in few days.
• BRICS countries are evidently divided on engagement with the Taliban with Russia and China adopting a proactive policy on the issue. A Russian media report said the Taliban has invited Turkey, Qatar, China and Iran for the swearing-in ceremony.China on Thursday extended an emergency aid of $31 million to Afghanistan to help the Taliban run the government.e backdrop of the Taliban announcing an interim government in Kabul.