Doha – India held talks with the Taliban for the first time since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Indian Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal met Taliban leader Sher Mohammad Stanikzai. Stanikzai testified that Afghan land would not be used against India. The issue of security of Indians in Afghanistan and minorities in this country was raised by the Indian Ambassador. Despite that, the Taliban leader tried to reassure India. ‘The Taliban want better cooperation with India,’ Stanikzai said.
In response to the request of the Taliban, Indian Ambassador to Qatar, Deepak Mittal, met with Taliban leader Sher Mohammad Stanikzai, the foreign ministry said. The Taliban has an office in Doha, Qatar, and is headed by Stanikzai. During the meeting with the Indian Ambassador, Stanekzai reassured that Afghanistan’s land would not be used for anti-India activities or terrorism. Reports are being received that the leaders of Pakistan-sponsored terrorist organizations are in touch with the Taliban. Concerns are being raised that Afghanistan will once again become a hotbed of anti-India terrorist activities. In such a situation, the reassurance given by Stanekzai is important.
Stanekzai, who underwent military training in India in 1982, had even earlier declared that there was no threat to India from the Taliban. Meanwhile, Stanekzai has assured India of the safety of Indians and Hindus and Sikhs, who are religious minorities in the country. The Taliban had earlier demanded that India complete its development projects in Afghanistan. India is a vital country in the region. Besides, India is crucial for Afghanistan, Stanekzai had said earlier.
If the Taliban adopts the stand of not endangering India’s security and not going against India’s interests, it will be a very positive development for India. Some analysts claim that this will make it easier to thwart Pakistani conspiracies. Therefore, these analysts urge India to accept the stand to negotiate with the Taliban. However, some analysts suggest that more caution must be taken about the Taliban.
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