Russia Invites India, Iran to Join Extended Troika Talks on Intra-Afghan Peace Process

Russia on Wednesday backed the inclusion of India and Iran in the extended 'Troika' talks, a Moscow-backed grouping aimed at facilitating the intra-Afghan peace negotiations . Dmitry Solodov, the Russian Embassy spokesman in New Delhi, said that having Tehran and New Delhi as members of the inter-governmental group would "enrich its potential further". The Extended Troika at present comprises Russia, the US, China and Pakistan. "Given the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, the task to shape a relevant regional consensus to support the Intra-Afghan negotiations is becoming even more vital," said Solodov. He remarked that Russia's "dedicated cooperation" with India as…