India's primary objective is not to let Afghanistan be used against it

New Delhi – The foreign ministry said that Afghanistan’s land will not be used for anti-India terrorist activities, which is our most prime objective right now. Recently, talks between Indian Ambassador Deepak Mittal and Taliban leader Stanikzai were held in Doha, Qatar. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi spoke on the stand of the country. After this, a discussion started on whether India would recognise the Taliban regime. Against that background, the Ministry of External Affairs seems to have made this revelation.

The Taliban has a diplomatic office in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Until now, the Taliban’s political discussions and negotiations have been conducted from here. Stanikzai, who heads the office, called on Indian Ambassador Deepak Mittal. Stanikzai said the Taliban regime expected better cooperation with India at this time. The Taliban leader also clarified that Afghan soil would not be allowed to be used for anti-India activities. Not long ago, Anas Haqqani, the leader of the Haqqani Network, a staunch anti-India group within the Taliban, made similar assurances to India.

The Taliban is trying to gain recognition from India. Also, there are indications from Taliban leaders that they will not dance to Pakistan’s tune. This is the background to the Doha talks. The Taliban has repeatedly said it will protect India’s security concerns regarding Indians in Afghanistan and Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan. India seems to have adopted a policy of responding very cautiously. But the message from India is that it will not rush to recognise the Taliban. On Thursday, Arindam Bagchi also hinted at the same while speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of External Affairs.

Bagchi said that they are prioritising not to allow Afghan land to be used for anti-India terrorist activities.’ Bagchi clarified the government’s stand, saying this was a key issue in the ongoing talks with the Taliban. India, which viewed the Taliban as a terrorist organisation in the past, took a firm stance against the group. But with the Taliban coming to power in Afghanistan, India will not be able to maintain its stand. Analysts say that while major countries worldwide are negotiating with the Taliban for safeguarding their interests, India cannot lag.