India has sharply criticised Pakistan’s recent military operations along the Afghan border, accusing Islamabad of harbouring and financing terrorist organisations as tensions rise between the two countries.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Three points are evident: first, Pakistan continues to host and back terrorist organisations; second, it has a longstanding habit of blaming its neighbours for its internal problems; and third, Pakistan is angered by Afghanistan asserting sovereignty over its own territory,” Jaiswal stated.
He reiterated, “India remains firmly committed to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.”
The statement follows reports of renewed hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul and other Taliban-held regions after a series of attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Taliban responded with counterstrikes along the border, marking one of the most serious escalations between the two nations in decades.
Following mediation, a 48-hour ceasefire was declared on Wednesday evening, though both sides remain on high alert.
Islamabad has accused Kabul of providing sanctuary to TTP leaders and members of other anti-Pakistan groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Islamic State–Khorasan Province (ISKP).
TTP attacks within Pakistan have surged since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, with Islamabad blaming Kabul for failing to act against the group.
India’s Growing Engagement with Afghanistan
Jaiswal also confirmed that India and Afghanistan held wide-ranging discussions during the recent visit of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi.
“We engaged in comprehensive talks with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, and upgrading our embassy,” Jaiswal said.
He added that India had donated 20 ambulances and intends to expand its support to Afghanistan’s healthcare sector.
Jaiswal further announced that India’s technical mission in Kabul will soon be upgraded to a full-fledged embassy—marking a cautious yet significant step forward in New Delhi’s engagement with the Taliban administration. (Source: IE)
