ISLAMABAD: Growing ties between India and Afghanistan’s Taliban regime since its takeover of the country are posing a serious security challenge to the region, according to Pakistani officials and security analysts.
The two sides have strengthened their diplomatic and other ties in recent years. Pakistani authorities accuse India and the Taliban regime of supporting militant groups in the region.
The Taliban’s hosting of militant groups in Afghanistan, coupled with alleged Indian financial support, has raised concerns over the growing strength of militant organisations in the region.
The Diplomat, an international affairs magazine, reported that diplomatic ties between India and the Taliban strengthened during tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan has also accused militants of crossing into the country from Afghanistan during the recent conflict, saying the infiltration exposed growing links between the Taliban and India.
Pakistani authorities have also alleged that India-backed Afghan militants and handlers were involved in terrorism in Pakistan.
During a visit to India, Afghanistan’s Agriculture Minister Molvi Attaullah Omari reportedly said that Afghans and Indians share the same DNA.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have warned the Taliban regime that Afghanistan must choose between supporting terrorism and maintaining ties with Pakistan.
Pakistan’s military spokesman, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations, has also described the relationship between India and the Taliban as a growing security concern. He said India and the Taliban had the same DNA because both were involved in promoting terrorism.
Former Afghan army general Sami Sadat told an interview that the Taliban were receiving financial assistance from India and supporting militant groups operating against Pakistan.
Former Afghan intelligence chief Masoud Andarabi had also previously alleged that the Taliban received financial support from India to back militant groups in Pakistan.
An investigative report has further alleged that India supplied unmanned aerial systems used by the Taliban in attacks.
Defence analysts say India is using its ties with the Taliban to facilitate proxy activities against Pakistan.
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They say the growing cooperation between India and the Taliban is making their alleged agenda against Pakistan increasingly visible.
