Taliban, an unlikely friend

Taliban minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi signals India's rapprochement with the extremist government in Afghanistan. The new friendship emerging with Afghanistan is also a response to Pakistan's propaganda of India espousing anti-Islamic measures. Apart from Russia, the only country that has recognised the Taliban government in Afghanistan is India.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s words of upgrading the embassy in Kabul as part of India's diplomatic mission give a vague idea of the big picture behind the plan. Afghanistan has not condemned India's bombing of Pakistani terror camps and air bases in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. The Afghan government's close ties with Russia are paving the way for good relations with India. Meanwhile, Afghan forces are continuing to fight on Pakistani border posts in retaliation for the airstrikes in Kabul. Afghanistan claims that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the firing that took place yesterday. However, the Pakistani army also claims that 200 Afghan fighters were killed.

Pakistan's airstrike in Afghanistan on Thursday night allegedly targeted Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Noor Wali Mehsud. The ongoing firing on the border of the two countries comes after Afghanistan announced that it would give a strong military response to Pakistan's violation of its sovereignty.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are now on the cusp of a full-fledged skirmish. The memories of their once-thick camaraderie are now water under the bridge. The visit of their Foreign Minister is the result of Afghanistan's realising, albeit belatedly, that India's stance is honest and sincere. Moreover, Afghanistan is also expecting constructive cooperation with India in various trade areas. Allowing women journalists to be part of the second presser in New Delhi, albeit with much hullabaloo, also shows how a fringe group like the Taliban, known for their unruffled commitment to following archaic notions, is ready for change according to the times. The women journalists were even allowed the front row in the second presser held in New Delhi.

India has provided significant assistance to Afghanistan's reconstruction since the US invasion in 2001. Afghanistan is India's gateway to the Central Asian region, which includes Iran. Therefore, friendship with them is essential to protect Indian interests. Friendship with Afghanistan will also be beneficial for India in thwarting the ulterior motives of Pakistan and China. Disagreement with Taliban policies does not have to translate into disagreement with the people of that country. In that sense, there is no point in blaming India for recognising the Taliban government in Afghanistan.