India has conveyed its readiness to work closely with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO, member States in efforts to bring peace, prosperity and stability in Afghanistan. <br/><br/>Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry Ruchi Ghanashyam led the Indian delegation to the meeting of SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group Meeting that was held yesterday in Moscow. <br/><br/>This was the first meeting of the Group following the expansion of SCO in June 2017 with India becoming its full member. <br/><br/>India shared its perspectives on the situation in Afghanistan, including security challenges posed by terrorism imposed from beyond its borders. New Delhi also stressed on the need to strengthen Afghan National Defence and Security Forces and need for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled national peace. <br/><br/>India pitched for an environment free of terror and violence, continued assistance for socio-economic development based on priorities of the people of Afghanistan, and ensuring greater connectivity and regional integration for Afghanistan. The next meeting of the Contact Group will be held in Beijing in early 2018.