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India’s Firm Response: Rejecting Pakistan’s Accusations Over Afghan Border Clashes

India has issued a strong and unequivocal response to Pakistan’s recent allegations linking New Delhi to the ongoing border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. During a weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the claims as part of Pakistan’s “old habit” of deflecting blame for its internal turmoil onto neighboring countries.


Jaiswal made it clear that India had no role in the escalating tensions and instead underscored Pakistan’s long-standing record of harboring terrorist groups and destabilizing its region. “Pakistan hosts terrorist organisations and sponsors terrorist activities. It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures,” he said, further adding that Islamabad’s frustration stems from Afghanistan asserting sovereignty over its own affairs.


An Afghan Taliban fighter sits on a tank near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak (REUTERS) | Hindustan Times
An Afghan Taliban fighter sits on a tank near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak (REUTERS) | Hindustan Times

Pakistan’s Claims and India’s Counter

Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif had earlier accused the Taliban of waging a “proxy war” on India’s behalf and alleged that Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India carried hidden motives. India, however, dismissed these statements as baseless and politically motivated.


According to reports from India Today and NDTV, officials in New Delhi believe Islamabad is using these accusations to divert attention from its domestic instability and ongoing tensions with the Taliban regime. India reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, maintaining that it seeks peace and stability in the region, not conflict.


The Pakistan–Afghanistan Conflict: Rising Tensions

Clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified over the past week, particularly near the Spin Boldak and Chaman border regions. Both sides exchanged heavy fire, artillery shells, and airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties. Reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera indicate that at least 18 people have been killed and over 360 injured, including civilians.


Each country blamed the other for starting the violence. Pakistan accused Afghan-based militants of launching attacks on its territory, while Kabul charged Islamabad with violating its airspace and targeting civilian settlements. The escalation prompted urgent calls for restraint from regional powers and international agencies.


A Fragile Ceasefire and Uncertain Calm

Following several days of bloodshed, both Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire to de-escalate tensions. The truce, which began on Wednesday evening, was reportedly brokered through mutual requests, though each side claimed the other initiated it.


Despite the agreement, sporadic gunfire continued along some sections of the border. Critical trade crossings remained closed, disrupting livelihoods and the movement of essential goods. The Taliban government stated that it would continue defending Afghan sovereignty while keeping channels open for dialogue.


Historical Patterns and Strategic Rivalries

Border conflicts between Pakistan and Afghanistan are not new. Historical disputes over the Durand Line, militant infiltration, and mutual distrust have fueled decades of hostility. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, these tensions have flared repeatedly, with Pakistan accusing Kabul of harboring the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group responsible for numerous attacks on Pakistani soil.


Analysts argue that Pakistan’s latest accusations against India reflect a broader regional strategy—using New Delhi as a convenient scapegoat to mask its deteriorating relationship with the Taliban. As reported by Eurasia Review, this behavior aligns with Pakistan’s long-standing policy of power projection and deflection during times of crisis.


India’s Role in Afghanistan’s Future

India has maintained cautious but consistent engagement with Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover. While it has not formally recognized the regime, New Delhi reopened its diplomatic mission in Kabul and provided humanitarian aid, including food and medical assistance. According to AP News, India is also considering upgrading its technical mission to a full-fledged embassy to facilitate regional stability and counter extremist influence.


Kabul, for its part, has assured New Delhi that Afghan territory will not be used against India’s interests. This growing cooperation has unsettled Islamabad, which has long viewed Afghanistan as part of its strategic sphere of influence.


Humanitarian Concerns

The clashes have inflicted heavy suffering on civilians in border areas. Hospitals in Chaman and Kandahar reported dozens of casualties, including women and children. Local markets, already fragile from years of conflict, have been shuttered amid the violence. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have called for both nations to prioritize civilian protection and reopen trade routes vital for daily sustenance.


Global Reaction

Regional and global powers have expressed concern over the escalating violence. China, Russia, and Gulf nations have urged both Islamabad and Kabul to show restraint and engage in constructive dialogue. International observers warn that continued hostilities could embolden militant groups and destabilize an already volatile region.


The MGMM Outlook

India’s response to Pakistan’s baseless accusations over the Afghan border clashes reflects New Delhi’s consistent diplomatic stance—rejecting misinformation and emphasizing accountability. Pakistan’s attempt to drag India into its regional failures highlights its long-standing pattern of externalizing domestic instability. While Islamabad struggles to manage its deteriorating relationship with the Taliban, India remains focused on constructive engagement, supporting Afghanistan’s sovereignty and stability through humanitarian and diplomatic channels rather than confrontation.


The ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions underscore a deeper geopolitical fault line shaped by decades of mistrust and militant politics. India’s firm yet balanced approach demonstrates its commitment to regional peace and its refusal to be entangled in Pakistan’s political narratives. As South Asia faces a critical juncture, New Delhi’s message is clear—true stability will come not from blame or aggression, but from mutual respect, dialogue, and responsible governance.



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