Ties with India independent: Afghanistan slams Pak's illogical proxy war claims

Afghanistan’s Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid has firmly rejected Pakistan’s allegations linking India to regional tensions, calling them “unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable.” He said that Kabul maintains its foreign relations independently and will strengthen ties with India in line with its national interests. “These accusations are groundless. Our policy will never involve using our territory against other countries. We maintain relations with India as an independent nation and will strengthen those ties within the framework of our national interests,” Mujahid told Al Jazeera. The Minister of National Defense strongly rejected claims suggesting that India played a role in the recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.More details in the report below!#RTA pic.twitter.com/xgoqeCK45B Mujahid also addressed Afghanistan-Pakistan relations. He said Kabul seeks to build ties with Islamabad on the basis of good neighborliness and trade expansion. “Afghanistan and Pakistan are neighboring countries. Tensions between them serve no one. Their relationship should be founded on mutual respect and good neighborly principles,” he added. Referring to the Doha agreement, Mujahid noted that an upcoming meeting in Turkey will focus on implementing and monitoring the pact. He warned that non-compliance by Pakistan could create problems and called on mediating countries such as Trkiye and Qatar to assist in ensuring adherence. Mujahid further spoke on Afghanistan’s policy, which according to him is not to support armed groups against any country, including Pakistan, and highlighted that Afghans will “bravely” defend their homeland if attacked. Afghanistan and Pakistan have had strained relations since the withdrawal of US-led troops and the return of the Taliban government. Recent clashes along their border have killed dozens and caused widespread damage. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban authorities of providing safe havens to militant groups amid a surge of attacks targeting its security forces. The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its affiliates are reported to be behind much of the violence. In October alone, over 100 security personnel and police officers were killed in attacks carried out by assailants from Afghanistan, according to a Pakistani security source. The rising violence has also led to mass deportations of Afghan migrants and asylum seekers, who have been blamed for crime and pushed back across the border. Pakistan’s military has additionally accused New Delhi of supporting the TTP, which India denies. India’s foreign ministry said that Pakistan often blames its neighbours for internal security challenges.