Taliban Rejects Pakistan’s Claim of India’s Proxy War

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has reacted strongly to Pakistan’s recent claim that India is using Afghan soil to wage a “proxy war” against Islamabad. The statement from Kabul has drawn attention across South Asia, highlighting fresh tension between the two neighbours at a time when regional stability remains uncertain.

Earlier this week, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister accused India of supporting anti-Pakistan militant groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad suggested that the Taliban administration has failed to prevent these activities, indirectly blaming New Delhi for escalating regional hostility.

However, the Taliban quickly denied these accusations, calling them “baseless” and “politically motivated.” The Afghan government stated that it does not permit any country to use its territory against another nation. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid emphasised that Afghanistan seeks peaceful relations with all its neighbours, including Pakistan and India.

In their official statement, the Taliban said, “Afghanistan’s soil will not be used against any country. We follow an independent policy and do not interfere in others’ internal matters.” Mujahid further insisted that the accusations were an attempt by Pakistan to “divert attention” from its own domestic issues and border security failures.

Analysts believe the exchange reflects ongoing distrust between Islamabad and Kabul. Relations have been strained since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, with Pakistan repeatedly complaining about cross-border attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for several attacks inside Pakistan.

The Taliban argue that Pakistan’s security challenges are internal and cannot be blamed on Afghanistan or India. Experts in international relations say that such public disputes can harm trade, border cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts in South Asia.

India has not issued an official response to Pakistan’s claim. New Delhi has previously maintained that it supports peace and development in Afghanistan through humanitarian and infrastructure assistance. Indian officials have also denied any involvement with militant groups in the region.

Observers note that Pakistan’s accusation may be part of its larger political narrative linking India to unrest in Balochistan and the former tribal areas. At the same time, Kabul’s swift reply shows the Taliban’s effort to project itself as a sovereign power capable of rejecting outside pressure.

The renewed war of words among Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India could complicate diplomatic communication in South Asia, especially on issues like border management and counterterrorism coordination. While the Taliban’s response signals a desire for political legitimacy, Pakistan’s concerns underline its struggle with militancy inside its borders.

For now, Afghanistan’s leadership continues to call for dialogue and mutual respect among neighbouring nations, stressing that stability in South Asia depends on cooperation, not confrontation.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies