New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) Amid the escalating border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, India today firmly backed Kabul, saying New Delhi remains committed to Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also rebuffed Pakistan’s attempt to link India to the attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Pakistani territory.
The spokesperson said with regard to the clashes: “Three things are clear: Pakistan hosts terrorist organisations and sponsors terror entities; it is an old practice of Pakistan to blame neighbours for its own internal failures; and Pakistan is infuriated at Afghanistan for exercising its territorial integrity. India remains committed to Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
The statement comes days after the India visit of Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and his talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during which New Delhi announced its decision to upgrade ties with the Kabul regime.
The current crisis was sparked after Pakistan conducted airstrikes deep inside Afghanistan targeting TTP hideouts, which the Afghan government condemned as an “unprecedented violation of sovereignty”, leading to retaliatory attacks by Afghan forces along the Durand Line.
Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban regime of providing safe haven, logistical support, and operational space to the TTP, which Kabul has denied.
The spokesperson also said India is closely monitoring the situation.
On the upgradation of the Indian Mission in Kabul, which was announced by EAM Jaishankar during the meeting with the Afghan Taliban FM, the MEA spokesperson said its transition to an Embassy status will happen in the next few days.
On the positioning of Afghan diplomats of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the MEA spokesperson said the matter is under discussion.
India has announced wide-ranging support for Afghanistan, including by way of foodgrain, medicines, vaccines, medical equipment, as well as help with regard to its infrastructure and boosting bilateral trade.
