Taliban Defense Minister Rejects Pakistan's Claims of India's Involvement in Border Conflict

Mullah Yaqoob, once known for his close relations with Islamabad, has firmly rejected Pakistan's allegations against India.

Afghanistan has categorically dismissed Pakistan's claims that India was involved in the recent border conflicts between the two neighboring countries. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Afghanistan's Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob described these accusations as "unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable" while expressing Kabul's desire to strengthen its relationship with New Delhi "within the framework of our national interests."

"These accusations are completely baseless. Our policy strictly prohibits using Afghan territory against other nations. As an independent country, we maintain diplomatic relations with India and will continue to strengthen these ties in accordance with our national interests," stated Yaqoob, son of Taliban founder Mullah Omar.

He further added, "Similarly, we will maintain our relations with Pakistan based on principles of good neighborliness. Our objective is to expand relations, not create tensions. Pakistan's accusations lack foundation, logic, and are simply unacceptable."

Afghanistan's Defense Minister emphasized that mutual respect and commitment are essential for maintaining the peace agreement with Pakistan. "Qatar and Turkey should assist and monitor the implementation of this agreement. The peace will only hold if territorial sovereignty is respected by all parties," he noted.

The cross-border tensions escalated on October 11, shortly after explosions in Kabul during an unprecedented visit by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India, Pakistan's long-standing rival. Taliban forces subsequently launched a military offensive along sections of the southern border with Pakistan, prompting Islamabad to warn of a strong retaliatory response.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of providing safe haven to hostile groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), allowing them to operate from "sanctuaries" within Afghanistan – allegations consistently denied by the Taliban government. The Afghan Taliban countered that Pakistan's aggressive actions, including airstrikes on Kabul, were responsible for escalating the conflict.

The fighting has significantly affected civilians on both sides of the border, forcing people to flee the area while disrupting daily movement and trade due to the closure of the Torkham and Chaman border crossings.

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has attempted to link India to the deteriorating Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, claiming that the Taliban government was "sitting in India's lap" and fighting "India's proxy war."

India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded firmly to these accusations, stating that blaming India for internal failures is "an old practice of Pakistan."

"Three points are clear. First, Pakistan hosts and sponsors terrorist organizations and activities. Second, Pakistan habitually blames neighboring countries for its own internal failures. Third, Pakistan is angered by Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its territories. India remains fully committed to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," Jaiswal declared.

Although India has not officially recognized the Taliban government, it has begun taking cautious steps toward diplomatic engagement through meetings between senior officials from both countries' foreign ministries.