• Source:JND
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Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid has sharply rebuked Pakistan’s accusations that the Taliban is fighting a “proxy war” on behalf of India, describing the remarks as “baseless, irrational, and unacceptable.” The comments come amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul following deadly border clashes and a fragile ceasefire. 

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Mujahid stressed that Afghanistan’s foreign relations are “independent” and guided solely by its national interests. “These accusations lack foundation. Our policy will never permit our territory to be used against other nations. We engage with India as a sovereign country and will bolster those connections within our national interest framework,” he said.

Mujahid emphasised that Afghanistan will continue strengthening its relationship with India, particularly in areas such as trade, humanitarian aid, and regional stability. “We maintain relations with India as an independent nation and will reinforce those ties within our national interests,” he reiterated.

Pakistan’s ‘Proxy War’ Accusation Sparks Backlash

Earlier this week, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged that the Taliban was acting on India’s behalf, questioning the durability of the 48-hour ceasefire between the two countries. “I have my doubts if the ceasefire will hold because the decisions of the (Afghan) Taliban are being sponsored by Delhi. Right now, Kabul is fighting a proxy war for Delhi,” Asif said during an interview with GeoTV.

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His comments drew criticism from both Kabul and New Delhi. Mujahid’s firm response was followed by a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which strongly condemned Pakistan’s remarks and reaffirmed India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

India Reaffirms Support For Afghanistan

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India was “closely monitoring the situation” following the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan. “Pakistan hosts terrorist organisations and sponsors terrorist activities. It is an old habit of Pakistan to blame neighbours,” he stated.

“India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan,” Jaiswal added. 

India’s backing of Afghanistan comes as New Delhi cautiously reengages with the Taliban regime, despite not formally recognising it. Recently, India announced the reopening of its embassy in Kabul during the visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi.

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Mujahid noted that an upcoming meeting in Turkey will focus on ensuring compliance with the ceasefire agreement and urged mediators like Turkey and Qatar to play an active role. “Afghanistan and Pakistan are neighbours; discord benefits no one,” he said, calling for peace and mutual respect in regional relations.

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