Developments in Afghanistan will cause significant consequences

New Delhi – The United States did not take India into confidence while signing the peace deal with the Taliban last year. While reminding of it, Indian MEA SK Jaishankar warned that the developments in Afghanistan would have significant consequences. The United States had negotiated with the Taliban in Doha, the capital of Qatar, with Pakistani mediation, to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. The Taliban had agreed then that there would be no bloodshed as also terrorism would not be entertained. The Indian MEA pointed out to the United States that the current picture in Afghanistan is entirely different.

MEA Jaishankar participated in the discussion organized by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum-USISPF through virtual channels. Besides, while speaking to Frank Wisner, former US ambassador to India, the Indian MEA conveyed in a diplomatic language that the situation in Afghanistan had become ‘extremely sensitive’ and that ‘wrong US policies’ were to blame. Last year, the United States held negotiations with the Taliban in Doha. A pact was reached following the talks; the United States announced the complete withdrawal of its military from Afghanistan.

The United States had given Pakistan a huge opportunity of playing a major role in the negotiations leading to the agreement. On the other hand, the United States took a strategic decision to keep India, having a definite stand regarding Afghanistan and the Taliban, away from the negotiations. At that time, India had warned the United States and the western countries that a terrorist country like Pakistan could not be trusted and had far-reaching consequences. Within a few months, the Indian warning seems to be a reality. Following the US military withdrawal, the Taliban trampling all the promises made to the United States took over power in Afghanistan. Moreover, the Taliban, promising an all-inclusive government and non-tolerance of terrorism, seems to be stepping in an entirely different direction.

During the USISPF talks, MEA Jaishankar reminded of all these instances. India and Afghanistan have both experienced cross-border terrorism. Therefore, India is consciously watching these developments; Jaishankar pointed out that the United States did not exercise the necessary caution regarding Pakistan. Citing the developments in Afghanistan, Jaishankar warned that consequently, there would be huge repercussions. At present, the US leaders and military officials acknowledge the issue and are into a blame game in the United States about the military withdrawal. Right from President Biden to General Milley, the Chief of US Defence Forces is involved.

Meanwhile, speaking at the USISPF event, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar further said that India and the United States predominantly agree on the Afghanistan issue. India and the United States have agreed on an all-inclusive government in Afghanistan and not allow Afghan land for terrorism. Jaishankar clarified that on specific other issues, the level of agreement varies. However, claims made by the United States while withdrawing troops from Afghanistan have been proven false. The Taliban and Pakistan, who is behind the Taliban, have betrayed the United States, the Indian MEA put forth in a diplomatic language. At the same time, Foreign Minister Jaishankar noticed the ill effects in Afghanistan of ignoring the warnings of a responsible and credible country like India.