Pakistan has accused the Taliban-led Afghanistan of acting as a proxy for India, following increased hostilities and cross-border tensions. The allegations come after Pakistan’s airstrikes in Kabul, which Islamabad described as a response to perceived threats.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized the Taliban for aligning with India and “exporting terrorism,” claiming that Pakistan had attempted extensive diplomacy to stabilize the region. He described the situation as an “open war” with Afghanistan.
India, for its part, has condemned Pakistan’s recent military actions in Afghanistan, emphasizing the civilian casualties, including women and children, caused during the strikes.
Evolution of India-Taliban Relations
India’s engagement with Afghanistan under the Taliban is built on strategic pragmatism. Historically, India opposed the Taliban’s rule in 1996 and did not maintain diplomatic relations, viewing the group as a proxy of Pakistan’s intelligence services.
After the US-led intervention in 2001, India supported the new Afghan government under Hamid Karzai, reopening its embassy in Kabul. During this period, the Taliban targeted Indian embassies and consulates, causing casualties and diplomatic strain.
With the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, India initially closed its embassy in Kabul and withheld official recognition. However, as Pakistan-Afghanistan relations deteriorated, India gradually re-engaged with the Afghan leadership.
In 2022, India sent technical experts to manage its mission in Kabul and officially reopened its embassy in late 2025. India also allowed the Taliban to establish consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad, signaling increased diplomatic collaboration.
Humanitarian and Development Support
India has been providing humanitarian aid and development assistance under the Taliban. Following a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in northern Afghanistan in 2025, India dispatched food, medicine, and vaccines. Several healthcare infrastructure projects have also been implemented since December 2025.
From 2001 to 2021, India invested over $3 billion in Afghanistan, supporting the construction of schools, hospitals, the National Assembly building, and critical infrastructure such as the Zaranj-Delaram highway and the Salma Dam. India also collaborated on the Chabahar port trilateral agreement with Iran and Afghanistan to enhance regional trade.
Strategic Motives Behind India’s Engagement
Experts say India’s growing influence in Afghanistan is driven by security and strategic interests, especially in countering Pakistan and China.
Praveen Donthi, analyst at the International Crisis Group, stated that India engages with the Taliban to prevent adversaries from gaining strategic leverage in the region.
Raghav Sharma, director at the Centre for Afghanistan Studies, OP Jindal Global University, added that engagement ensures India protects its investments and diplomatic relations, even if ideological alignment is limited.
Pakistan’s Response and Regional Implications
Pakistan continues to accuse India of leveraging its ties with Afghanistan for geopolitical advantage. However, experts note that the Taliban increasingly values India’s humanitarian contributions and recognizes the strategic importance of maintaining collaborative ties.
India and Pakistan remain nuclear-armed rivals, with tensions escalating after incidents like the Pahalgam attack in 2025, which India attributed to Pakistan-supported militants. India condemned the attack and praised the Taliban for denouncing the violence.
Conclusion
India’s engagement with Afghanistan under the Taliban reflects pragmatic diplomacy, balancing humanitarian aid, infrastructure support, and strategic interests. While Pakistan perceives this as a threat, India aims to strengthen regional stability, protect its investments, and limit the influence of its rivals in South Asia.
By maintaining consistent diplomatic and humanitarian involvement, India is positioning itself as a key partner for Afghanistan while navigating the complex dynamics with Pakistan and China.
