How worrying is India’s sudden improvement in relations with the Taliban for Pakistan?

The article highlights the unexpected improvement in relations between India and the Taliban, symbolized by the week-long visit of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki to India, the first by a high-ranking Taliban official since they seized power in 2021. India’s motivation for this diplomatic shift is rooted in protecting its national interests, primarily securing assurances from the Taliban that Afghan soil will not be used by India-centric extremist groups, IS, or Al-Qaeda for terrorist activities, a commitment Muttaqi reiterated. Beyond security, this relationship is strategically crucial for India as it seeks to enhance connectivity with Iran and Central Asia and counter the regional influence of both China and Pakistan. However, the report notes that despite the deepening ties, the relationship remains cautious, strategic, and limited in scope due to past experiences and internal as well as potential international repercussions.

Source Based on reporting from Prothom Alo