India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, has criticised Pakistan’s recent actions against the Taliban, calling them “unacceptable” and a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, 30 October, Jaiswal said Pakistan’s anger stems from the Taliban’s “independence and assertion of sovereignty” and accused Islamabad of believing it can “carry out cross-border terrorist activities without consequence.”
Reaffirming India’s stance on the growing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban, Jaiswal said New Delhi supports Afghanistan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
Responding to a question about the Taliban’s plans to build a dam on the Kunar River, he said India is ready to cooperate with the Taliban on water resource management and hydropower projects.
“Between the two countries there has been a long history of cooperation on water matters,” he said. “The Salma Dam for example is a perfect example of this cooperation which is today called India–Afghanistan Friendship Dam.”
Jaiswal also referred to the recent visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India, noting that New Delhi is open to supporting Afghanistan’s development initiatives.
As border clashes between Pakistan and the Taliban intensify, India has increasingly taken a clear position in support of the Taliban-led administration in Kabul. Pakistan, meanwhile, has accused India of “fuelling instability” in the region.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has also alleged that India is attempting to disrupt peace talks between Islamabad and the Taliban, claiming he has documents to support this assertion.
