Taliban-Pakistan Tensions Rise as India Seeking Larger Role in Kabul

DID Press: Amid escalating border clashes and mounting accusations from Islamabad toward both Kabul and New Delhi, the longstanding competition between India and Pakistan for influence in Afghanistan has entered a new phase. India is reportedly seeking to leverage the growing rift between the Taliban and Pakistan to strengthen its position in the country.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have once again reached a critical point. In recent weeks, Islamabad has accused the Taliban government and India of supporting the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claims that both parties have denied. Meanwhile, deadly attacks on both sides of the border continue, highlighting rising military tensions.

Rick Novak, head of the Afghanistan desk at The Washington Post, reports that Pakistani frustration with the Taliban government is increasing, with officials concerned that neighboring countries may form coalitions against Islamabad.

Against this backdrop, India’s growing engagement with the Taliban has raised fresh concerns in Pakistan. While New Delhi has not officially recognized the Taliban government, it has strengthened its diplomatic presence in Kabul, established a joint chamber of commerce, and agreed on new air corridors between the two countries.

Analysts say these moves indicate India’s intent to redefine its role in Afghanistan. Michael Kugelman, senior fellow at the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada, told The Washington Post: “Afghanistan has long been a field of competition between India and Pakistan. With rising tensions between the Taliban and Islamabad, India now sees a new opportunity.”

These developments underline Afghanistan’s continuing centrality in South Asia’s geopolitical landscape. Any shift in Kabul’s relations with a regional power could have far-reaching consequences for security and political dynamics across the region.