Taliban spokesperson and acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, recently emphasized Afghanistan’s sovereign right to maintain diplomatic and economic ties with India, dismissing allegations from Pakistan that such interactions threaten regional security. The comments come amid ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over claims involving insurgent groups and cross-border influence.
Muttaqi reiterated that Afghanistan’s foreign policy decisions are guided by national interests and not external pressures, signaling the Taliban’s intent to pursue pragmatic engagement with countries in South Asia, including India. He described assertions by Pakistani authorities linking Afghanistan to Baloch separatist activities as unfounded and counterproductive, calling them “baseless and misleading.”
The remarks arrive at a time when Islamabad has previously accused Kabul of harboring elements supportive of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group operating in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. While Pakistan views alleged Taliban tolerance of BLA activities as destabilizing, Kabul has consistently denied providing any material support to the group, asserting that Afghanistan will not be a platform for external conflicts.
Observers note that Muttaqi’s statements are part of a broader Taliban effort to signal independence in foreign relations while balancing delicate ties with neighboring countries. Analysts suggest that the Taliban’s willingness to engage diplomatically with India reflects both economic priorities and a desire to gain international legitimacy.
Meanwhile, India has maintained cautious engagement with the Taliban, focusing on development projects and humanitarian aid. The current exchanges underscore the complexity of Afghanistan’s foreign policy under Taliban rule, as the country navigates competing regional interests and security concerns.
With the recent statements, the Taliban aims to assert its autonomy in diplomatic dealings, counter accusations from Pakistan, and reinforce its position as an independent actor in South Asian geopolitics.
