India was not invited to the ‘extended Troika’ meeting on Afghanistan convened by Russia.

India has not been invited to a crucial meeting being convened by Russia on the fast-evolving situation in Afghanistan that is expected to see the participation of Pakistan, China and the US, people familiar with the development said on Thursday. 

As the Taliban continues its offensive in Afghanistan, Russia has stepped up efforts to reach out to all key stakeholders  in the war-torn country to stop the violence and push the Afghan peace process. 

The ‘extended Troika’ meeting is scheduled to be held in Qatar on August 11. Talks under the format had earlier taken place on March 18 and April 30. Russia has Foreign Minister Sergrey Lavrov said in Tashkent that Russia will continue to work with India and other countries which can influence the situation in Afghanistan.