India has firm ties with Afghanistan: MEA

New Delhi reported strong and enduring relationships with Afghanistan, as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) commented on Friday. This assessment comes as the Taliban, currently governing Afghanistan, has been in power for five years since capturing Kabul on August 15, 2021, following the collapse of the Western-backed government and the US troop withdrawal.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted multiple engagements between India and Afghanistan over the past year, resulting in strengthened ties. These engagements have led to progress in areas such as development, cooperation, trade, and connectivity, Jaiswal stated during his regular media briefing.

India has sought to deepen its bilateral engagement with Afghanistan. In October 2021, India upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy, as part of broader efforts to enhance their bilateral relationship. In June 2022, India reestablished its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan by deploying a technical team. Despite not officially recognizing the Taliban regime, India has insisted on the formation of an inclusive government in Kabul. India has also been vocal about Afghanistan not being used as a terrorist hub against any country.

Regarding Nepal, Jaiswal emphasized the strong and historic relationship between India and Nepal. These ties are characterized by unique people-to-people connections, and he acknowledged that while such multifaceted partnerships may present challenges, they also necessitate open discussions to address any concerns.