New Delhi: In a visit rich with symbolism and regional overtones, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Friday used Indian soil to deliver a blunt warning to Pakistan — even as he struck a conciliatory note toward New Delhi, signalling Kabul’s intent to deepen diplomatic and development cooperation.
Addressing the media after talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Muttaqi cautioned Islamabad against what he called “dangerous games” with Afghanistan amid rising cross-border tensions.
“Pakistan should stop playing games with Afghanistan. Don’t provoke Afghanistan too much — if you ask the British or the Americans, they’ll tell you it’s not wise to test Afghan courage,” he declared. “We seek a diplomatic path, not confrontation.”
His comments follow renewed hostilities between the two neighbours, including alleged Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory in recent days. Kabul’s Defence Ministry has accused Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace in Paktika province, while an explosion in Kabul’s Abdul Haq Square on Thursday further inflamed tensions.
Muttaqi’s fiery remarks underscored the deep mistrust between Kabul and Islamabad, with the Durand Line once again emerging as a flashpoint. “The courage of Afghans should not be tested. Ask the Soviet Union, America, or NATO — playing games with Afghanistan has never ended well,” he warned. “We have peace after 40 years and will not allow anyone to derail it.”
In contrast to his sharp tone on Pakistan, Muttaqi extended a hand of cooperation to India, stressing that Afghan soil would not be used against Indian interests.
“Your concerns are important to us. Afghanistan will ensure its territory is not used in any way against India,” he assured.
India, which has not yet formally recognised the Taliban regime, has maintained limited diplomatic contact through humanitarian and technical assistance. Muttaqi’s visit — his first official trip to India — marks a diplomatic milestone for Kabul and reflects New Delhi’s cautious but pragmatic re-engagement strategy in Afghanistan.
Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in healthcare, infrastructure, education, and connectivity. India has pledged six new development projects, the supply of MRI and CT machines, 20 ambulances, and increased scholarships for Afghan students. Commercial flights between Kabul and Delhi have also resumed.
Speaking against the backdrop of the Bamiyan Buddhas, Muttaqi noted that India-Afghanistan relations had “improved significantly” over the past four years. He also urged both India and Pakistan to keep trade routes open through the Wagah border, supporting regional connectivity and economic integration.
On human rights and women’s education — issues that continue to draw global criticism — Muttaqi dismissed external pressure as “propaganda,” asserting that “every country has its own system.”
While India continues to insist that recognition of the Taliban depends on an inclusive political setup in Kabul, Muttaqi’s outreach reflects the Taliban’s push for regional legitimacy and India’s bid to retain influence in Afghanistan amid shifting power dynamics.
For New Delhi, the visit offered both an opportunity and a challenge — to engage a difficult neighbour without compromising its principles, and to signal to Islamabad that its monopoly over Afghan affairs is no longer uncontested.
