Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have deteriorated significantly since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. In recent months, the Taliban and the Pakistani military have engaged in direct clashes along the border, resulting in casualties on both sides. The political landscape of Afghanistan has undergone a complete transformation since the Taliban retook Kabul in August 2021. The once-friendly ties between the Taliban and Pakistan are now a thing of the past, and the two have become bitter adversaries. Amidst this, Afghanistan has shown strong support for India and has even sought India’s assistance in teaching Pakistan a lesson.
Discussions about India in Afghanistan
An Indian female blogger has claimed that there is currently a positive sentiment among the people of Afghanistan towards India. Blogger, traveler, and YouTuber Ankita Kumar shared her experiences from her trip to Afghanistan in a podcast. She mentioned that she had encountered Taliban members during her visit. Some of these members spoke about relations with India and India’s role.
“If India gave missiles… to Pakistan…”
According to Ankita Kumar, a Taliban member told her that if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided them with missiles, they would blow up Pakistan. Ankita further stated that she was surprised during her conversation with the Taliban members; she noted that they were even discussing topics like geopolitics.
What was the experience like with the Taliban members? According to the female YouTuber, she did not face any difficulties while in the company of Taliban members. As she was a woman, the Taliban members refrained from touching her. She further mentioned that whenever she brought out her camera, the Taliban members would hide their faces. Ankita stated that she did not stay in Kandahar; she avoided staying there because the rules for women were much stricter in that region—for instance, even if the front seat of a vehicle was vacant, she was required to sit in the back.
