Jaishankar Engages with Taliban, Appreciates Backing on Pahalgam and Dismissal of Pakistan’s Claims

In a notable diplomatic exchange, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently had a telephone conversation with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. This discussion marks the first formal political interaction between India and the Taliban since the latter assumed power in Afghanistan.

During the call, Jaishankar extended appreciation to the Taliban leadership for strongly condemning the terrorist assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which occurred on April 22, 2025. The incident led to the tragic loss of 26 lives. Jaishankar further welcomed the Taliban’s efforts to counter false narratives intended to strain relations between India and Afghanistan.

Building Diplomatic Bridges

The dialogue aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and promoting regional stability. Jaishankar expressed India’s willingness to strengthen its engagement with Afghanistan under the Taliban-led government, especially on shared concerns like counterterrorism.

Muttaqi reportedly acknowledged India’s concerns and assured that the Taliban government remains committed to tackling terrorism in all forms. Both parties emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration, despite broader geopolitical complexities in South Asia. The tone of the conversation suggested a step toward pragmatic engagement and mutual understanding.

Reiterating India’s Position on Pakistan

In addition to discussing Afghanistan, Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm policy toward Pakistan. He stated that India’s participation in the Indus Waters Treaty would remain suspended until Pakistan ends its support for cross-border terrorism. He made it clear that New Delhi would not resume cooperation under the treaty unless Islamabad takes verifiable steps to dismantle its terror infrastructure.

Jaishankar also reaffirmed that the only unresolved issue between India and Pakistan remains the return of territory illegally occupied by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. This reassertion underscores India’s unwavering position on its territorial integrity and its policy of linking bilateral agreements to national security concerns.

International Response to the Pahalgam Attack

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam drew sharp condemnation from the global community. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres personally reached out to both Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in separate conversations. He condemned the violence in the strongest terms and stressed the need for accountability.

Guterres offered the UN’s assistance in facilitating de-escalation and preventing further conflict. In his conversation with Jaishankar, the UN chief emphasized the urgency of bringing the perpetrators and sponsors of the attack to justice. Jaishankar supported this call, highlighting India’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.

Diplomatic Implications

The communication between India and the Taliban signals a significant diplomatic development. While India had previously maintained a cautious distance from the Taliban regime, this outreach indicates a shift toward a more engaged approach based on regional interests and practical considerations.

At the same time, India’s uncompromising position on Pakistan and terrorism demonstrates a dual-track strategy—remaining open to cooperation with new actors like the Taliban, while holding Pakistan accountable for its actions.

This evolving approach suggests India is adapting to the new realities in Afghanistan while continuing to pursue its security and strategic objectives with clarity. The Taliban’s alignment with India’s concerns, at least on public statements, could lay the groundwork for deeper engagement if followed by consistent actions.

Conclusion

India’s outreach to the Taliban, coupled with a firm message to Pakistan, reflects a nuanced diplomatic posture that balances pragmatism with principle. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this early engagement with the Taliban can lead to substantive cooperation, and whether Pakistan will respond to international pressure to curb its support for terrorism.

As the region grapples with ongoing security challenges, India’s strategy of conditional engagement and firm diplomacy may shape the course of future regional stability.