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NEW DELHI: In a first India and UAE have launched dialogue on the security situation in Afghanistan in the backdrop of recent assassination of five diplomats from the Gulf country by suspected Taliban.

The two sides in their maiden strategic dialogue in Delhi last Friday -- ahead of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visit -- explored counter-terror cooperation & security coordination in landlocked Afghanistan where five UAE diplomats were killed in a recent terror attack, persons familiar with the development indicated to ET.

The strategic dialogue led by respective deputy foreign ministers discussed various aspects of strategic and defence partnership besides exploring comprehensive approach in fighting terror.

Ironically UAE was one of the three countries that recognized the Taliban government between 1996-2001. However, UAE learnt to face threats from international terror groups and following recent attack on its diplomats is willing to join hands with India to counter terror in Afghanistan, according to persons familiar with the matter. According to counter-terror experts UAE is perturbed with growing terrorist network in the Gulf fearing attacks on its soil.

During Zayed Al Nahyans visit (chief guest for this edition of the Republic Day) from Tuesday both sides are expected to send out a strong message against terrorism against the backdrop of the deaths of five UAE diplomats in a terrorist attack in Kandahar earlier this month.

There have been reports of further slide in UAE-Pak ties following recent assassination of five UAE diplomats in Afghanistan. Kandahar's Police Chief Abdul Raziq had alleged that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and the Haqqani Network were behind the terror attack. This was the first time that UAE diplomats were targeted on foreign soil. Earlier in 2015 UAE has been upset with Islamabad for its refusal to send troops in the Yemen conflict.

The growing India-UAE strategic partnership can be gauged from the fact that Abu Dhabi sent out a clear public statement on September 19 a day after Uri attacks suggesting that Delhi should take decisive action against perpetrators. Earlier UAE was among the countries that came out in Indias support within hours of the Pathankot attack.

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India,UAE launch dialogue on security situation in Afghanistan - Economic Times