On recognising Taliban, MEA against ‘jumping the gun’ - Times of India

NEW DELHI: While the government has said it is open to working with an Afghanistan dispensation that is ready to protect the interests of the Afghan people, it’s unlikely to take any decision in haste on recognising the Taliban, which is seeking international recognition and legitimacy.
In a guarded response to questions on recognition for Taliban, India on Friday said the situation was still evolving and that there was no clarity on “any entity” forming the government in Kabul. India, the US and other likeminded democracies agree there’s a need for as inclusive and as representative government as possible under the circumstances in Kabul.
Afghanistan crisis: Live updates
The responses come in the wake of bombers killing 170 people at Kabul airport on Thursday, giving rise to concerns in New Delhi and other world capitals over Afghanistan becoming a full-fledged terror hub, and raising doubts over Taliban’s control over events despite their condemning the blasts.
The incidents could be a setback to Pakistan’s efforts to convince governments to recognise or accept the Taliban, all the more so as alleged perpetrators ISIS-Khorasan have roots in Pakistani Taliban. Interestingly enough, ISIS-K is seen to share a deadly rivalry with the Taliban.
The MEA warned against “jumping the gun” on the issue of recognition for Taliban. “The situation on the ground is uncertain. The prime concern is the security and safety of the people. Currently, there is a lack of clarity or no clarity about any entity forming a government in Kabul,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
“There have been a lot of stories going around about who will be represented in the government and whether the government will be inclusive, which is another question, and whether other elements of the Afghan polity will be represented in that,” added the official. India’s focus has been on evacuating its citizens who are stranded in Afghanistan, he said. “We continue to monitor the situation very carefully. It is an evolving situation,” he said at a media briefing.
We want good ties with India: Taliban leader
The Taliban wants good ties with all countries, including India, a top official of the militant group has said as he vowed not to allow Afghan soil to be used against any other country.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid also said that the group, which now rules Afghanistan, considers India an important part of the region. “We desire good ties with all countries, including India, which is an important part of the region. Our desire is that India devise its policy as per the interests of Afghan people,” Mujahid was quoted as saying by a Pakistani channel.
“We have said it before that we won’t allow our soil to be used against any other country. Our policy is clear,” Mujahid said. He was of the view that Pakistan and India should sit together to resolve all their outstanding issues because both are neighbours and their interests are linked to each other.
(With inputs from agencies)

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