The Taliban has firmly dismissed Pakistan's accusations that it is fighting a proxy war on behalf of India, calling such claims baseless and illogical. Afghanistan's Defense Minister, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, stated in an interview that Pakistan's charges lack any foundation and emphasized Afghanistan's independent foreign policy and sovereign rights. He reaffirmed that Kabul will continue strengthening its diplomatic and economic relations with India, but strictly within the framework of its national interests, denying any involvement in hostile acts against Pakistan from Afghan territory.

The backdrop of these tense remarks comes after deadly border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, followed by a fragile ceasefire. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused the Taliban government of being influenced by India, suggesting that the Taliban's recent actions are part of India's proxy strategy against Pakistan. However, both Afghanistan and India have rejected these allegations. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan often blames its regional neighbors to deflect from its internal issues while reaffirming India's commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Taliban's Defense Minister Yaqoob further urged for peaceful and constructive relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing that any discord between the neighbors benefits no one in the region. He also praised mediation efforts by countries like Turkey and Qatar to maintain the ceasefire and promote stability. Meanwhile, India has been cautiously engaging with the Taliban government, exemplified by reopening its embassy in Kabul and strengthening cooperation despite not formally recognizing the regime.

This dispute illustrates the complex interplay of regional geopolitics in South Asia, where tensions between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India often have broader implications. Pakistan's allegation of a proxy war reflects longstanding suspicions and contested borders, while Afghanistan's insistence on independent diplomacy underscores its desire to maintain sovereign decision-making free from external pressures. As the situation remains volatile, diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation will be crucial for lasting peace and security in the area.