Taliban regime seeks enhanced ties with Modi Govt; Turkey condemned “terrorist attack” and did not refer to J&K as “disputed” further isolate Islamabad

Pakistan could be banking on 'Muslim support' at the regional and global stage.

But this is already a new era and a new world.

In their immediate reaction to Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, Turkey’s official statement called it a “terrorist attack”, did not refer to Jammu and Kashmir as “disputed” as they normally do.

This was seen as "positive vibes" by New Delhi. Moreover, Istambul has also “condemned” the attack.

Namo and three service chiefs 

From Afghanistan's point of view; Kabul said a top Indian diplomat had met Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and discussed ways to strengthen India-Afghanistan bilateral political relations and enhance trade and transit cooperation. 

The ministry said they also exchanged views on recent regional developments, all these signal new and far reaching diplomatic achievements by the Narendra Modi government.  For decades, Islamabad encouraged Taliban and their violent styles of functioning, 

But in 2025, far from providing “strategic depth” to Pakistan against India, Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has become a serious security vulnerability for it. 

Come to think of it even China is no longer giving Pakistan a 'confidence' it requires at this juncture. 

Corruption and inefficiency aside vis-a-vis Beijing sponsored projects in Pakistan, China is displeased at Islamabad's inability to deliver on security promises.

A number of Chinese engineers and project supervisors have been killed by Baloch terrorists. Nevertheless, experts claim although China remains Pakistan’s biggest patron, the two countries’ bilateral relationship is not what it used to be. 

As part of diplomatic exercise to 'expand' the goodwill and support in India's war against terror; New Delhi has recently deputed M Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary in charge of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in the Ministry of External Affairs, to Kabul.

Prakash has also handled the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the MEA.

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.

This had actually come before Prakash had landed in Kabul.

(( Pahalgam terror attack targeting Hindu tourists stokes anger across India

Pressure grows on Modi and his Hindu nationalist government to mount a military response

The prime minister promised to “identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backer”.  

Govt gives 'free hand' to armed forces -- ‘Decide time, target, mode’ )) 

Afghanistan said both sides have exchanged views on recent regional developments -- obviously a reference to Pahalgam and India's determination to take the battle against terror to a logical conclusion. 

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.

Kabul and New Delhi would also possibly work for normalisation of visa issuance processes for businessmen, medical/patients and students.

“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 a statement.

The meeting of Afghanistan's key figures with a senior Indian officer 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.

“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. 

According to former foreign secretary Shyam Saran, --The Gulf states too have refused to open up their coffers (for Islamabad). There is fatigue among the Gulf states about having to repeatedly bail Pakistan out, and a sense that Islamabad has not given them much in return for doing so over the years.

 

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