The Taliban say they are seeking closer cooperation with India in the trade and health sectors, underscoring what they describe as longstanding ties between the two countries.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesperson, said the group values its relations with India and wants to expand cooperation, particularly in healthcare and commerce.
Mujahid thanked India for its humanitarian assistance, including the supply of vaccines, medicines and food aid, and said Afghanistan’s needs require sustained dialogue and stronger bilateral relations.
Speaking to Radio Hurriyat, a Taliban-affiliated outlet, Mujahid said significant progress had been made in relations with New Delhi and that the trend was expected to continue.
His comments followed recent remarks by India’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who highlighted centuries-old ties between the two countries and described India’s policy towards Afghanistan as people-centric and community-focused.
Relations between the Taliban and India have grown closer amid rising tensions between the Taliban administration and Pakistan. In recent months, the Taliban’s foreign minister, as well as the ministers of commerce and industry and public health, have visited New Delhi.
Working with India and Iran, the Taliban are also seeking alternative trade routes to reduce dependence on Pakistani ports and goods. During visits to New Delhi and Tehran, Taliban officials signed cooperation agreements with authorities in both countries.
India has meanwhile upgraded its diplomatic mission in Kabul to embassy level and expanded its humanitarian and development assistance to Afghanistan.
The growing engagement between India and the Taliban has raised concerns in Pakistan. Islamabad has accused the Taliban and India of supporting Baloch separatist groups and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, allegations the Taliban have denied. Mujahid has repeatedly said Pakistan should not expect to influence or control the Taliban’s domestic or foreign policy.
