India sent a strong message to Pakistan on Friday over its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar referred to Afghanistan as a “contiguous neighbour” while speaking alongside Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi.
India and Afghanistan share the Wakhan Corridor, a 106 km stretch connecting Afghanistan to the part of Kashmir illegally controlled by Pakistan. Jaishankar’s statement was a clear reminder to Islamabad of India’s stance on the region.
“As a contiguous neighbour and a well-wisher of the Afghan people, India has a deep interest in your development and progress,” Jaishankar said, announcing that India would upgrade its Kabul mission to a full embassy.
He also said both India and Afghanistan face cross-border terrorism, hinting again at Pakistan’s role. The comment came just hours after Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul, which Pakistan claimed targeted terrorist hideouts.
Muttaqi, meanwhile, assured India that Afghan soil would not be used for anti-India activities. He praised India’s help during the earthquake and pandemic, calling India a “close friend.”
India has repeatedly warned Pakistan to end cross-border terrorism and reaffirmed that talks will only happen on PoK and terror, not trade or water.
