The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, led by Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has strongly dismissed allegations by Pakistan that it is fighting a “proxy war” on behalf of India. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had claimed that the Taliban were being “sponsored by Delhi” and that Afghan territory was being used to carry out Indian-backed operations against Pakistan.

Mujahid called the accusations “baseless, illogical and unacceptable,” saying Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used against other countries and that its foreign relations are guided solely by national interest.  He also reaffirmed that Kabul aims to maintain good neighbourly relations with Pakistan while strengthening ties with India on an independent footing — especially in trade, humanitarian and regional-stability domains.

The tensions arise amid recent heavy cross-border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and a fragile 48-hour ceasefire that both sides agreed to. Pakistan’s accusations centre on claims that militant groups such as the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are being sheltered in Afghanistan with support from India, a characterization New Delhi has firmly rejected.