India watches keenly as Taliban-Pakistan ties remain in focus

There is latent discomfort between them over the Durand Line that divides the Pashtun dominated region spread over Afghanistan and Pakistan

India is closely watching the Taliban’s stance towards Pakistan as it appears imminent that the outfit will form the next government based in Kabul or Kandahar in the next few days. The concern in this regard is shaped by the fact that , giving the first sign that channels of communication between the two sides are now open. Also read | Soon after the India-Taliban meeting in Doha, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed asserted the special bond between Pakistan and Taliban, saying in a TV debate, “We are the custodians of Taliban leaders. We have taken care of them for a long time. They have got shelter, education and a home in Pakistan. We have done everything for them.” Such repeated comments from Pakistan can increase India’s discomfort, especially after the meeting in Doha.