In a televised speech apparently to allay the fears of the international community, Stanikzai appeared to bat for trade with India through Pakistan, as well as calling for the air trade route to be kept open.
This is the latest remarks reportedly to show an outreach by Taliban leaders to India after the government recalled all diplomatic personnel in Kabul over fears of instability in the country after the Taliban takeover. The message indicates a willingness to seek acceptance at a time that most countries, including India, have raised concerns related to terrorism.
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However, unlike on previous occasions, as official sources said here, this time the comments on relations with India have come from a very senior leader in the Taliban hierarchy, who also happens to be the deputy head of the group’s political office. Stanikzai was also quoted as saying that the Taliban values cultural and political ties with India. He also supported the Chabahar port in Iran which has been developed with Indian assistance.
Following this “wait and see” approach, India has been careful not to name the Taliban directly in its statements. UN Security Council and the UNHRC, expressing concern about the possibility of Afghanistan being used by groups such as Lashkar and JeM to target countries in the region. Much will depend on the Taliban’s ability and willingness to prevent Pakistan-based groups from using Afghanistan as a training and recruitment ground against India.
While, as noted, India is unlikely to officially recognize the Taliban, sources said linkage with the Taliban cannot be ruled out. Like the US and others, the government believes that engagement is key to ensuring inclusive and representative government in Kabul. Under its watch, the UNSC withdrew its “declaration” in a statement on 16 August, a day after the Taliban takeover, that it would not accept the reinstatement. an islamic emirate In Afghanistan. Last week, on Friday, the UNSC removed the mention of the Taliban, calling on all groups not to support terrorist activities.
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