External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a conversation with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, addressing critical issues surrounding regional security and bilateral relations. The discussion followed Pakistan's allegations of India launching missile strikes on Afghan territory, which Afghanistan has firmly rejected as "baseless" and "unfounded".
During the call on Thursday evening, Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the Afghan government's condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He also welcomed Muttaqi's strong denial of attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false reports. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to its traditional friendship with the Afghan people and its continued support for their development needs, further discussing avenues to advance cooperation.
Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Enaitullah Khawarzmi, dismissed Pakistan's allegations of Indian missile strikes on Afghan soil in an interview with Hurriyat Radio on May 10. Khawarzmi labeled such claims as false and unfounded. This firm rejection from Kabul came shortly after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri refuted Pakistan's claims, deeming them "totally frivolous allegations" and "ludicrous claims". Misri highlighted Pakistan's history of targeting civilian infrastructure in Afghanistan, urging the Afghan people to remember the real aggressor.
Jaishankar has consistently addressed Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. He stated that talks with Pakistan would only address terrorism, emphasizing the need for them to dismantle terror infrastructure and act on the provided list of terrorists. He also indicated that the Indus Waters Treaty would remain suspended until cross-border terrorism ceases.
India hasn't formally recognized the Taliban regime in Kabul since they took control in 2021. However, India has maintained a limited diplomatic presence in Kabul while continuing humanitarian aid. Increasing interaction between Indian officials and Taliban representatives in recent months suggests a pragmatic approach driven by regional security and strategic considerations. In 2021, Jaishankar met with his Afghan counterpart Mohammad Haneef Atmar to discuss the situation in Afghanistan amidst growing security concerns over the Taliban's resurgence.
