As tensions intensify between India and Pakistan, the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared its neutrality, stating that Afghanistan maintains “positive” relations and shared interests with both neighbouring countries.
On Sunday, the state-run Bakhtar News Agency, citing the foreign ministry, reported that the deteriorating situation between New Delhi and Islamabad has had a ripple effect across the region, including Afghanistan. The Taliban referred specifically to the recent closure of the Wagah border crossing, which it linked to the escalation of hostilities.
The latest spike in India–Pakistan tensions was triggered by a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. In response, India took a series of retaliatory steps, including its formal withdrawal from the historic Indus Waters Treaty and an order for Pakistani nationals to leave Indian territory.
In a countermeasure, Pakistan’s National Security Council ordered the closure of the Wagah border crossing and banned Indian aircraft from entering Pakistani airspace.
The closure has also disrupted Afghanistan’s trade routes. According to The Economic Times of India, Afghan exports to India through the Wagah crossing have been suspended, leading to a surge of up to 20 percent in the price of dried fruits in Indian markets.
The Taliban’s foreign ministry emphasised the importance of regional stability and reiterated its intention to maintain balanced relations with both India and Pakistan during the ongoing diplomatic crisis.
