Mon Jan 13 15:00:09 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Fears Growing Indian Influence in Afghanistan Could Further Strain Ties with Kabul
**Islamabad, Pakistan** – Pakistan is expressing concern over increasing Indian engagement with the Taliban in Afghanistan, fearing it could further destabilize its already strained relationship with Kabul. While some Pakistani analysts downplay the threat, others warn that India’s growing influence could exacerbate existing tensions.
Three years after the Taliban takeover, Pakistan’s strategy of leveraging its historical ties with the group to counter India appears to be backfiring. A recent high-profile meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary and the acting Afghan Foreign Minister signals a significant shift in New Delhi’s approach, marking a departure from decades of distrust. This engagement includes discussions on boosting trade via Iran’s Chabahar port, potentially bypassing Pakistan entirely.
This development is particularly worrying for Pakistan given its ongoing struggle with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group operating from Afghan soil. Cross-border attacks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated in recent months, further straining relations. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to crack down on the TTP, but with limited success.
While some argue that Pakistan’s deep-rooted relationship with Afghanistan remains stronger than India’s, and that both countries are free to pursue their interests, others emphasize the potential for India’s engagement to fuel further instability. The possibility of increased Indian involvement in Balochistan, a region already plagued by separatist movements, is a significant concern for Islamabad. Pakistan has long accused India of supporting these separatist groups, pointing to the 2016 arrest of Kulbhushan Yadav, an Indian national alleged to be a spy in Balochistan.
The use of Chabahar port for Afghan-Indian trade adds another layer of complexity, as it could further diminish Pakistan’s economic leverage with Afghanistan. Pakistan’s geographic location has historically provided it with significant influence over Afghan trade, but this could be challenged by India’s growing presence.
The situation highlights the delicate balancing act Pakistan faces, navigating its historical relationship with the Taliban while managing its rivalry with India. The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this complex relationship, with the potential for increased regional tensions remaining a significant concern.
First Piper 