Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi recently stated that except for Pakistan, all other neighboring countries of Afghanistan are happy with the current state of relations. Speaking amid ongoing border tensions with Pakistan, Muttaqi emphasized that Afghanistan seeks peace and stability with all its neighbors and does not desire conflict. He reminded that Afghanistan shares its borders with six countries in total, five of which maintain amicable relations with Kabul.​

Muttaqi's remarks come in the backdrop of recent violent clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces along their border, including Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. However, he made clear that Afghanistan’s foreign policy orientation remains peaceful and hopes for improved diplomatic and economic cooperation with all neighbors except for Pakistan, where relations remain tense.​

In his visit to India - the first senior Taliban official visit since 2021 - Muttaqi expressed optimism about strengthening ties between India and Afghanistan. He highlighted that bilateral trade has already crossed the $1 billion mark and praised India’s decision to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to embassy level. He also called on India to invest in Afghanistan’s mineral resources and to facilitate trade by opening the Wagah border crossing, which he described as the fastest trade route connecting the two nations.​

The Afghan minister’s comments underscore Afghanistan’s strategic effort to build stable, peaceful regional ties to support its economic development and international standing after decades of conflict. While Pakistan remains a thorny issue, Kabul appears keen on fostering goodwill with its other neighbors, leveraging peace to attract diplomacy, investment, and trade opportunities.

This evolving diplomatic landscape reveals Afghanistan’s complex regional dynamics where multiple borders and interests intersect. The Afghanistan-India pathway, in particular, holds promise for economic growth and enhanced regional cooperation, potentially boosting Afghanistan’s integration into South Asian trade networks. Afghanistan’s message to Pakistan, including hints at alternative options, reflects ongoing challenges in that bilateral relationship that will require careful diplomacy.​ The Afghan foreign minister’s statements highlight a nuanced, hopeful narrative for Afghanistan’s future amidst regional complexities, emphasizing peace, economic cooperation, and a diversified foreign policy approach beyond the persistent border difficulties with Pakistan.