Ever since the Pahalgam terror attack, India and Pakistan have been in an intense diplomatic power play with both Delhi and Islamabad trying to mobilise international support.
As foreign ministries of both countries briefed foreign ambassadors in their capitals, Delhi also sent M Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in charge of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in the Ministry of External Affairs, to Kabul this week – Prakash handled the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the MEA.
Even before Prakash reached Kabul, the Foreign Ministry of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses condolences to the bereaved families,” its spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said.
He said “such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability”.
Security personnel near the site of the Pahalgam terror attack.
On Monday, Kabul said a top Indian diplomat had met Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral political relations and enhance trade and transit cooperation. The ministry said they also exchanged views on recent regional developments.
According to the statement, Muttaqi underscored the importance of expanding diplomatic and economic relations between Kabul and Delhi. He also stressed the need to facilitate the movement of people between the two countries and called for the normalisation of visa issuance processes for businessmen, patients and students.
Prakash reaffirmed India’s commitment to relations with Afghanistan and expressed the hope of deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.
Explained
Keeping a line open
Delhi’s recent talks with Taliban-ruled Kabul, its humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan have not gone unnoticed. Nor has Kabul’s swift condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan, on the other hand, now has problems with the Taliban and its decision to expel Afghan refugees has added to the slide in ties.
He reiterated Delhi’s intention to continue its assistance to Kabul and conveyed India’s interest in investing in infrastructure projects, including the resumption of previously-halted initiatives.
“Both sides stressed on the importance of enhancing bilateral engagements, streamlining visa procedures, promoting the exchange of delegations and strengthening cooperation in various fields,” said the statement.
The meeting came months after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubai. The meeting in January was the first high-level outreach by the Indian official establishment.
During the meeting, the Afghan side had assured India that it does not pose a threat to any nation and expressed hope for raising the level of diplomatic relations with India – Delhi has not yet officially recognised the Taliban.
Besides engaging with the Taliban and getting a statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, Delhi also views the statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry as positive.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that many people lost their lives and many others were injured in the terrorist attack which targeted civilians in Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir today (April 22). We condemn this heinous attack. We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry had said in Ankara.
Sources said it was noted that Turkey’s statement called it a “terrorist attack”, did not refer to J&K as “disputed”, and “condemned” the attack – all markers of a strong, positive statement.
Meanwhile, Islamabad is considering approaching the Permanent Court of Arbitration or the International Court of Justice over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, sources said. India has said it will be keeping the Treaty in abeyance.