India Establishes Full Diplomatic Relations with Taliban-Led Afghanistan While Highlighting Pakistan's Illegal Occupation of Kashmir

Google Maps image showing the India-Afghanistan border (circled in red).

New Delhi:

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a pointed message to Pakistan on Friday regarding its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, referring to Afghanistan as a "contiguous neighbour" during a joint statement with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

India and Afghanistan share a narrow 106 km land border known as the Wakhan Corridor, a strategically significant area that China has shown interest in. In the context of Jaishankar's statement, this corridor connects Afghanistan with the portion of Kashmir that Pakistan unlawfully controls.

The "contiguous neighbour" reference serves as a sharp reminder to Pakistan about this territorial reality.

"As a contiguous neighbour, and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress," Jaishankar stated while announcing the restoration of full diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, including upgrading India's mission in Kabul to embassy status.

Jaishankar further emphasized that both India and Afghanistan "face the problem of cross-border terrorism" - a significant statement considering Pakistan's recent military actions in Afghanistan against what Pakistan claims are Afghan-backed terrorists attacking its territory.

Reports indicated that the Pakistan Air Force conducted strikes in Kabul shortly before the Jaishankar-Muttaqi meeting in Delhi, targeting alleged "terrorist safe havens" in the city.

"The sound of an explosion was heard in Kabul. But no one should worry... all is well and good, and no report of any damage has been given so far," a Taliban spokesperson stated.

During the meeting, Muttaqi emphasized his government's commitment to preventing Afghan territory from being used for terrorist attacks against India or anti-India activities. He also expressed appreciation for India's support during critical times, including during the August earthquake that claimed over 2,000 lives and the COVID-19 pandemic when India provided vaccines.

"I am happy to be in Delhi, and this visit will increase the understanding between the two countries. India and Afghanistan should increase their engagements and exchanges... we will not allow any group to use our territory against others," Muttaqi affirmed.

"Afghanistan looks at India as a close friend and wants relations based on mutual respect, trade and people-to-people relations. We are ready to create a consultative mechanism of understanding to strengthen our relations."

India has consistently warned Pakistan about its illegal occupation of Kashmir and condemned its support of terrorism, with the recent Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people serving as a tragic example.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has clearly established that restoring Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan taking action against cross-border terrorism are non-negotiable conditions for any dialogue. Following India's retaliation against terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack in May, Prime Minister Modi stated, "Terror and talks cannot happen together... terror and trade can't happen together... and terror and water cannot flow together. If we ever talk to Pakistan, it will be on terror and PoK only."