Pakistan has voiced serious concerns regarding its relationship with Afghanistan’s Taliban, alleging the group has become a “proxy” for India amidst rising tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.

Following a series of airstrikes conducted by Pakistan on various locations in Kabul on a recent Friday, Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s Minister of Defence, expressed his disappointment on social media platform X, noting that following the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan in July 2021, many had anticipated a period of peace. Asif emphasized the hope that the Taliban would prioritize the interests of the Afghan populace and contribute to regional stability.

Unfortunately, he asserted that the situation had deteriorated, with the Taliban allegedly transforming Afghanistan into a dependency of India while further accusing them of fostering terrorism. In a clear declaration of intent, Asif announced an “open war” against Afghanistan, underscoring the strain that defines the current dynamic between the two nations. His remarks have stirred controversy, as they have previously linked Indian engagement in Afghanistan to Pakistan’s internal issues, a claim that lacks substantiated evidence and has been rebutted by Taliban representatives.

This incident coincided with India condemning Pakistan’s military maneuvers, particularly after civilian casualties were reported in Afghan territory, including during the holy month of Ramadan. India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the airstrikes, stressing their concern over the safety of civilians.

The narrative surrounding India’s influence in Afghanistan has evolved dramatically since the Taliban initially seized control in 1996. In those earlier days, India adopted an antagonistic stance, refusing to recognize the Taliban and severing diplomatic relations due to its alliance with Pakistan. However, significant changes occurred in the landscape after the US-led invasion in 2001, which saw India fostering stronger ties with the Afghan administrations that followed, investing billions in humanitarian aid and infrastructural development.

Following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, India recalibrated its strategic engagement with Afghanistan, aiming to protect its interests and sustain ties formed during its previous active role in the country. Recent developments indicate that India has sent experts to manage its mission and has resumed diplomatic interactions with the Taliban, reinforcing this burgeoning relationship even as tensions with Pakistan persist.

Analysts suggest that India’s approach toward the Taliban arises from a pragmatic need to engage with Afghanistan in light of Pakistan’s strained relations with the group and apprehensions about China’s growing influence in the region. Engaging with the Taliban appears as a strategic necessity for India, particularly as it underscores the resilience of diplomatic relations even amidst tumultuous regional dynamics.

To the international community, this evolving landscape highlights the importance of diplomatic ties, resilience, and engagement, particularly in securing regional stability in South Asia.

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