India is advancing its Pakistan-focused policy in the region with a new approach. Its renewed diplomatic presence and continuous engagement in Afghanistan indicate that New Delhi is leveraging ground realities to expand influence through the Afghan Taliban regime and groups referred to by some as extremist factions, which are seen as posing challenges to Pakistan’s internal security.
The Taliban government, which India previously described as a “Pakistani proxy” and rejected, now maintains relations with New Delhi that have moved beyond a technical presence to a full diplomatic level.
Following the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Israel, defense and intelligence cooperation between the two countries has expanded. It is no longer limited to bilateral collaboration but is viewed by critics as potentially being used as leverage against Pakistan through influence in Afghanistan and other regional dynamics. Pakistan argues that any perceived alignment involving India, Israel, and actors in Afghanistan supports its long-standing concerns.
India has previously faced international scrutiny over allegations that Afghan territory was used against Pakistan. Cases such as the Kulbhushan Yadav affair have been cited by Pakistan to reinforce its position that hostile networks have operated with external support.
Growing ties between India and the Taliban government challenge the claim that New Delhi’s engagement is limited to humanitarian assistance. Regional security analysts describe these developments as a new strategic alignment among forces seen as opposed to Pakistan.
During past conflicts, Israel openly supported India in certain strategic areas. Analysts note that these developments have led to counter-strategic responses from India, including announcements of new defense programs. Some critics describe such programs as part of broader strategic competition involving intelligence cooperation and regional influence.
Pakistan has consistently stated that if Afghanistan is used by any country for activities against Pakistan, it will affect regional peace, and responsibility will lie with those facilitating such actions.
The Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Israel is viewed by critics as part of broader strategic cooperation. However, Pakistan maintains that its security institutions and people remain capable of responding firmly to any external challenge while prioritizing national defense and sovereignty.
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