New Delhi- India and the central Asian nations on Thursday agreed to work closely with Afghanistan in addressing its security challenges against the backdrop of its escalating tensions with Pakistan.

Ways to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan figured prominently at the third India-Central Asia meeting of top security officials that was held in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan.

The Indian delegation at deliberations was headed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The military conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan erupted last week following a Pakistani airstrike on Kabul. Afghanistan strongly responded to the attack following which the conflict escalated.

Both sides claimed inflicting heavy casualties on the other. The two countries agreed on a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday.

In Bishkek, the top security officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation in areas of countering terrorism, radicalisation, extremism and narcotics trafficking, the MEA said.

It said the officials emphasised the significance of security and stability in Afghanistan for the region.

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