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Last Updated:May 16, 2025, 08:40 IST
Pakistan is believed to have factories producing various weapons in India, which they might plant under Afghanistan's name to spoil relations, say sources.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi spoke to each other following Operation Sindoor. (Image: PTI)
India has made it clear that it won’t allow Pakistan to act as a spoiler in the relationship between India and Afghanistan. Top government sources have revealed the inside details of the recent talks between Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Notably, this marks the first time that Jaishankar and Muttaqi have spoken directly after Taliban took over Afghanistan. The talks hold strategic significance for both nations and regional stability.
The timing, level, and content of these talks are crucial, according to insiders. Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, remains a hub for extremist groups such as ISIS-K, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Al-Qaeda. India has sought assurances that Afghan soil will not be used for attacks against its interests, sources said. These talks also represent an effort to counter Pakistan’s influence on Afghanistan, given the historical ties between India and Afghanistan on several issues.
Additionally, Afghanistan is moving closer to China, with mining contracts awarded to Chinese companies by Pakistan, sources said. Sources say the Taliban has committed to preventing Afghan territory from being used for Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, including groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which are major security concerns for India.
The discussions aimed to bridge the gaps created by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor between India and Afghanistan. Both leaders assured each other that they would not let Pakistan create differences between their countries.
After Pakistan’s claims about an Indian missile hitting Afghanistan, Kabul has refuted them as “false". Afghan defence ministry spokesperson Enaitullah Khawarzmi said Pakistan’s allegations were “unfounded". “Afghanistan is safe and secure. No such incident has taken place," Khaama Press reported, quoting a spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defence.
India, too, has described Pakistan’s allegations as “false" and a “completely ludicrous claim".
There is a strong possibility that Pakistan may claim the Afghan Taliban has reached Kashmir and that their weapons are being used in the conflict there, according to sources. Afghanistan has dismissed these claims as propaganda, requesting evidence to investigate if such weapons have indeed reached Kashmir.
Furthermore, Pakistan is believed to have factories producing various weapons, which they might plant under Afghanistan’s name to spoil relations, say sources.
The talks also included discussions on development co-operation and humanitarian assistance.
Location : First Published:News india 'Won’t Let Pakistan Derail Ties’: Jaishankar's First Call With Taliban Minister Sends Clear Message
