Rising Kabul–Islamabad Tensions Push Taliban Toward Renewed Engagement With India

DID Press: Escalating diplomatic and security tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are reportedly prompting the Taliban to revive communication channels with India, with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi preparing for a potential new visit to New Delhi.

According to a well-placed source, the deterioration in relations between Kabul and Islamabad in recent months has reached a level that is driving the Taliban to seek a more balanced foreign policy approach through closer engagement with India.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of acting as a proxy for India, alleging that networks linked to New Delhi are being used to undermine its security. Islamabad has also carried out cross-border air operations inside Afghanistan, which the Taliban have condemned as a violation of sovereignty. Pakistan, meanwhile, maintains that its strikes target positions of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Kabul rejects these claims and accuses Islamabad of externalizing its internal security crisis.

Amid escalating border tensions, mutual accusations over militant activity, and growing political friction, relations between the two neighbors have deteriorated to one of their lowest points in recent years. In this context, analysts view a possible visit by Muttaqi to India as part of Taliban efforts to reduce pressure from Pakistan and diversify its diplomatic options.

India has gradually increased its engagement with the Taliban administration under a policy of “limited but targeted engagement,” hosting several senior Afghan officials in recent years. Amir Khan Muttaqi previously visited India in 2025, a trip that drew strong criticism from Islamabad, which warned of regional security implications.

Sources indicate that preliminary coordination for the new visit has already taken place, with only the final scheduling remaining.