Taliban’s Shift Towards India: A Political Gamble That Could Cost Them Dearly

Asif Durrani, former special representative of Pakistan, warned that the Taliban’s pivot towards India is part of New Delhi’s strategy to exert influence in Pakistan through Afghan territory, deeming this process a political suicide for the Taliban…

Accusation of New Delhi’s Influence in Pakistan through Afghanistan

Asif Durrani, former special representative of Pakistan for Afghanistan, warned on X platform about the Taliban’s foreign policy approach, stating that this path endangers the survival of the current government in Kabul.

In his analysis, Durrani noted that the Taliban’s rapprochement with India is part of New Delhi’s strategy to achieve its objectives of influencing Pakistan through Afghan soil.

He added in a critical and straightforward manner: this emerging situation could be dangerous for the Taliban’s survival and urged the ruling group to avoid the path of political suicide.

Strengthening Kabul-New Delhi Relations Amidst Tensions with Islamabad

These remarks come after a significant increase in diplomatic and commercial interactions between the Taliban and India. In the past month, Amir Khan Muttaqi (Foreign Minister) and Nooruddin Azizi (Minister of Industry and Commerce) of the Taliban have both officially traveled to India. During the same time, India has reiterated its public support for Afghanistan’s stability by sending large shipments of medical supplies and equipment to Kabul.

Meanwhile, security and political tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan continue, including border attacks, disputes over the Durand Line, and mutual accusations regarding support for opposing groups (especially Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan or TTP).

Strategic Contradiction and the Risk of Regional Isolation

Durrani indirectly refers to a strategic contradiction in Taliban policy using the concept of political suicide. Analysts believe that the Taliban’s attempts to gain international legitimacy through New Delhi may inadvertently create a space for heightening their strategic isolation in the region. This is while Pakistan, as their only main ally in recent years, continues to play a key role in controlling aid flows and Afghanistan’s foreign relations.

This triangular competition (Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) is no longer just a regional game but has become a tool for redefining power balances in South Asia; a situation that transforms the Taliban from being the main actor into a conduit for achieving the competitive objectives of other powers.