Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his visit to India, issued a strong warning to Pakistan over recent cross-border tensions. Speaking to the media in New Delhi on Sunday, Muttaqi said Afghanistan desires peace but is fully prepared to respond to any violation of its sovereignty.
Muttaqi’s remarks come after a series of violent exchanges along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Tensions escalated following a Pakistani airstrike near Kabul on Thursday. In retaliation, Afghan forces launched attacks on several Pakistani military posts over the weekend. A Taliban spokesperson claimed that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the operation, while Islamabad confirmed 23 deaths on its side and alleged that over 200 Taliban fighters were also killed. “We want to resolve all problems through understanding and dialogue,” Muttaqi said. “But if others don’t want peace, Afghanistan has other means. We are united and capable of defending our country.”
The Afghan minister who is in India on a six-day visit, maintained that Afghanistan has no issues with the people or leadership of Pakistan. However, he accused specific elements in Pakistan of trying to disrupt bilateral ties. Pakistan, for its part, has accused Kabul of sheltering Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan — charges Afghanistan has consistently denied.
Muttaqi stressed that Afghanistan would not tolerate any breach of its territorial integrity. “There have been violations, and we responded immediately. Our forces and our people are fully united in defending our airspace and territory,” he said. He also noted that regional countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia have reached out to de-escalate the situation. “We have stopped the fighting from our side. The situation is under control. Our doors for dialogue remain open,” he added.
Referencing Afghanistan’s long history of resistance to foreign powers, Muttaqi pointed to past conflicts with the Soviet Union, the US, and NATO. “They came with large forces, and they were defeated. Today, Afghanistan is independent and united. No external pressure can divide our people,” he said.
The foreign minister also addressed criticism surrounding the exclusion of women journalists from his previous press interaction in Delhi. At Sunday’s briefing, several female reporters were present. Muttaqi explained that the earlier media event was arranged on short notice and that the absence of women was unintentional. “There was no intention to exclude anyone. It was a technical issue. No one’s rights should be violated, whether men or women,” he said.
Behind Muttaqi, a large flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was displayed, highlighting the Taliban’s control of the Afghan embassy in Delhi. When asked about the symbolism, he stated, “This is our flag. This is 100 percent our embassy. All officials working here are with us.” India has not officially recognised the Taliban Government since it took power in 2021. Despite this, diplomatic engagements have continued. Muttaqi met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday. According to Muttaqi, the two discussed increasing flights between Kabul and Delhi and expanding trade ties. He also invited Indian businesses to invest in Afghanistan’s energy, mining, and agriculture sectors.
“We also requested that the Wagah border be opened, as it is the fastest and most efficient trade route between Afghanistan and India,” he said. Muttaqi’s visit marks the first by a senior Taliban official to India in four years and comes at a time of heightened tension in the region. While India has kept its recognition policy unchanged, the Taliban’s presence in Delhi underscores a growing need for practical engagement amid evolving regional security challenges.
