Amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, India has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored India’s position, stating that New Delhi is closely monitoring the unfolding situation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

India’s Three-Point Assessment

During a press briefing, Jaiswal highlighted what he termed as three clear points regarding Pakistan’s behaviour in the region:

1. Hosting Terrorist Organisations: India accused Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorist groups, allowing them to operate across borders and target neighbouring countries. This assertion aligns with longstanding concerns in New Delhi regarding cross-border militancy and terror networks based in Pakistan.

2. Blaming Neighbours for Internal Failures: According to Jaiswal, Pakistan has repeatedly shifted responsibility for domestic governance failures onto its neighbouring countries rather than addressing the root causes of instability internally.

3. Anger Over Afghan Sovereignty: India observed that Pakistan has reacted strongly against Afghanistan asserting control over its own territory. The latest clashes along the Durand Line, which included cross-border military operations and airstrikes, were cited as examples of Pakistan’s aggressive response to Afghanistan’s sovereign actions.

India’s Diplomatic Reaffirmation

The MEA reinforced that India remains fully committed to supporting Afghanistan, both diplomatically and strategically. This includes:

• Upholding Afghanistan’s independence and self-governance.

• Supporting Afghanistan’s territorial integrity amid cross-border tensions.

• Encouraging peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue rather than military escalation.

This stance reflects India’s consistent policy of advocating for regional stability, particularly in South Asia, where security dynamics are closely intertwined with counterterrorism efforts and economic cooperation.

Context: Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Tensions

The reaffirmation comes after a series of escalatory incidents between Afghanistan and Pakistan:

• Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul, targeting Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts, reportedly killing 15 people.

• Afghanistan retaliated by attacking multiple Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line, claiming significant neutralisation of Pakistani forces.

• Afghan forces reportedly seized tanks, weapons, and uniforms, leading to viral footage showing military items abandoned by Pakistani troops.

• Following these confrontations, Pakistan announced a 48-hour ceasefire, indicating the potential for temporary de-escalation.

Regional Implications

India’s support for Afghanistan sends a strong diplomatic signal amid South Asia’s complex security landscape. Key implications include:

• Reinforcement of India-Afghanistan ties: India continues to be a key partner in Afghanistan’s development and security planning.

• Pressure on Pakistan: By publicly highlighting Pakistan’s role in hosting terrorist groups, India seeks to hold Islamabad accountable on international platforms.

• Promotion of regional peace: India’s position stresses the importance of dialogue over militarised responses, advocating stability along sensitive borders.

India’s Historical Stance

India has historically supported Afghanistan’s sovereignty and opposed cross-border militancy impacting its neighbours. The MEA’s reaffirmation aligns with prior statements condemning terrorist safe havens in Pakistan and advocating peaceful solutions through international diplomacy.

Strategic Message

The MEA statement also carries a subtle strategic message:

• India is actively monitoring the Afghanistan-Pakistan border situation.

• It supports Afghanistan militarily and diplomatically against external pressure.

• India encourages Pakistan to focus on internal reforms rather than destabilising neighbours.

Conclusion

India’s reaffirmation of support for Afghanistan comes at a critical juncture in regional geopolitics, particularly after the recent Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes. By highlighting Pakistan’s alleged harbouring of terrorist groups and reinforcing Afghanistan’s sovereignty, India underscores its commitment to regional security and counterterrorism.

This statement also serves as a reminder of India’s longstanding foreign policy principles: respecting the independence of neighbouring countries, opposing terrorism in all forms, and promoting dialogue to resolve disputes. Amid continuing tensions along the Durand Line, India’s stance signals both solidarity with Afghanistan and expectations from Pakistan to adhere to responsible regional behaviour.

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