A Familiar Accusation Returns to South Asia
Whenever Pakistan’s frontier burns, a predictable blame game follows. After a week of deadly border clashes with Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reignited an old charge – that the Taliban is “fighting a proxy war for India.”
His statement came in the wake of a shaky 48-hour ceasefire after airstrikes, cross-border shelling, and scores of fatalities. For Islamabad, the allegation portrays India as the hidden hand responsible for Kabul’s disobedience. For New Delhi, it’s another rehashing of a tale Pakistan is not willing to face – its own inability to control militancy.
The Accusation and the Response
During a TV interview, Asif stated, “Kabul is currently waging a proxy war at the behest of Delhi. We will strike them if they take this war to another level.” Pakistan blames the Taliban-controlled Afghan regime for harbouring the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has launched a wave of attacks within the country.
India retaliated immediately. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented, “Pakistan harbours terror outfits and supports terrorism. This is a very old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours.” He labelled the charges as unfounded and reasserted India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and independence. https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-hosting-terrorist-groups-and-blaming-neighbours-india-issues-stern-response-after-khawaja-asif-blames-delhi-for-clashes-with-afghan-taliban-1760667128144
From Patron to Problem
Pakistan had once considered the Taliban a strategic buffer – an amiable regime guarding its western border. But since the Taliban’s resumption of power in 2021, that complacency has given way to conflict. The TTP, ideologically sympathetic to Kabul’s masters but dedicated to striking Pakistan, has gained newfound latitude to act from Afghan soil.
In place of cooperation, there is now defiance facing Pakistan. The Taliban dismisses Islamabad’s allegations and denies sheltering the TTP. Blaming India offers a more convenient explanation for Pakistan’s political elite than to admit that its long-standing strategy of supporting militant groups has gone awry.
India’s Quiet Diplomacy
In parallel, India is cautiously re-engaging with Afghanistan. The MEA has confirmed intentions to convert its technical mission in Kabul into a functional embassy in the coming days. While Delhi has yet to recognize the Taliban regime, it maintains humanitarian aid and limited diplomatic engagement – actions Pakistan views with a strategic paranoia lens.
New Delhi assures its involvement is development-focused, not political or military. But for Pakistan’s establishment, Indian presence anywhere near Kabul is a challenge to its regional influence and an inflation of ancient fears of encirclement.
A Worn-out Narrative, a New Reality
The argument that the Taliban is India’s proxy lacks factual basis. India has never provided the group with arms or funding and has instead stood by democratic rule in Afghanistan in the past. Analysts say Pakistan’s new accusation is a sign of frustration, not proof.
“When Islamabad can’t control Kabul, it accuses Delhi — it’s as old as their feud,” a New Delhi-based South Asia analyst said.
Aside from Rhetoric
The peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues to be fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The greater issue, however, is within – Pakistan’s failure to stem militant violence that has spiked since the U.S. pullout.
India’s involvement in the crisis is negligible, but its shadow hangs heavy in the political imagination of Pakistan. Every crisis on the Durand Line rekindles an older, more profound narrative — one where India-bashing hides the actual war Pakistan is waging within its own country.
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