New Delhi, October 17, 2025 — India has firmly dismissed Pakistan’s recent allegation that the Afghan Taliban is fighting a “proxy war” on behalf of New Delhi, calling the accusation a predictable attempt by Islamabad to deflect blame for its own internal problems.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, addressed the escalating border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan during his weekly press briefing. He confirmed that India is “closely monitoring the situation” following the fragile ceasefire agreement that ended days of heavy border fighting and Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar.
‘Old Habit’ of Blaming Neighbours
Jaiswal strongly criticized Pakistan, asserting that its internal instability stems from its own policies. “Three things are clear,” Jaiswal stated. “One, Pakistan hosts terrorist organisations and sponsors terrorist activities. Two, it is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures.”
He underscored India’s commitment to Kabul, adding: “Three, Pakistan is infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories. India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan.”
The MEA spokesperson’s comments were India’s first direct official response to the week-long conflict, which saw dozens killed on both sides.
Diplomatic Re-engagement with Kabul
The Indian government’s strong support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty comes as New Delhi recalibrates its engagement with the Afghan Taliban. Although India has not formally recognized the Kabul regime, it recently hosted Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi.
Following Muttaqi’s visit, India announced plans to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy. Jaiswal confirmed this transition “will happen in the next few days,” signifying a major diplomatic step aimed at strengthening ties and facilitating humanitarian and developmental projects in Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Proxy War Claim
New Delhi’s response was prompted by remarks from Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who had publicly expressed doubt over the sustainability of the 48-hour ceasefire.
“I doubt whether the ceasefire will sustain because the (Afghan) Taliban’s decisions are being sponsored by Delhi… currently, Kabul is fighting a proxy war for Delhi,” Asif had alleged in an interview with GeoTV.
The core of the conflict, which saw a recent surge in violence, remains Pakistan’s accusation that the Taliban is sheltering militants from the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group responsible for numerous deadly attacks within Pakistan.
