India on Thursday reiterated its support for Afghanistan amid escalating tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, even as reports indicated that Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to resume stalled peace talks in Istanbul at Turkiye’s request.
The two sides had earlier failed to make a breakthrough despite a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkiye on October 19 following deadly border clashes.
MEA says Pakistan “infuriated” by Kabul asserting sovereignty
Addressing the situation, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan was “infuriated” by Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its territory.
He accused Islamabad of believing it has “the right to practise cross-border terrorism with impunity,” adding that its neighbours find such actions unacceptable.
Jaiswal stressed that India remains “fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan.”
Kabul-Islamabad tensions trigger sharper rhetoric
The clashes which intensified after Pakistan launched air strikes inside Afghanistan, including near Kabul have led to strong accusations on both sides.
Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif alleged that Afghanistan was acting at India’s behest and warned Islamabad’s response to any further attacks would be “50 times stronger.”
New Delhi’s stand on cooperation with Kabul
Responding to queries about future cooperation, particularly on Kabul’s hydroelectric ambitions, Jaiswal said India is prepared to support Afghanistan’s sustainable water management and development efforts, as noted during Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s recent visit to New Delhi.
