India is reportedly in advanced talks with the Taliban-led Afghan government to activate a modern air defence system in Afghanistan — a move that could significantly shift the balance of power in South Asia. This development follows Pakistan’s airstrikes in Kabul, which targeted TTP commander Mufti Asim Noor Wali Mehsud.
Growing Tensions Between Pakistan and the Taliban
Pakistan’s actions have sparked fierce retaliation from the Afghan Taliban, who responded with heavy firepower along the border. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Pakistani forces attacked civilians in Kandahar’s Spin Boldak district, killing 12 people and injuring over 100. In revenge, Taliban fighters reportedly destroyed several Pakistani posts, seized weapons and tanks, and inflicted serious casualties.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Taliban also released a graphic video mocking Pakistani soldiers killed in the clashes — a move that has deeply aggravated tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. The Taliban insists its actions were defensive, citing repeated Pakistani “violations” of Afghan territory.
Pakistan Denies Provocation
Islamabad, however, disputes these claims. Officials state that Afghan forces and Pakistani Taliban militants opened fire “without provocation,” prompting a “defensive” response. According to local sources from Chaman District, the fighting lasted several hours before Pakistani forces repelled the attack.
In a related incident, TTP insurgents attacked the Mahmoodzai Post in Orakzai, killing eight members of Pakistan’s Frontier Corps and injuring several others. With dozens of casualties on both sides, concerns are mounting over an escalating border conflict along the Durand Line.
India’s Expanding Strategic Role
Amid this unrest, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi has caught regional attention. Analysts see it as part of India’s effort to expand its influence in Kabul while countering Pakistan’s regional maneuvers.
If finalized, India’s air defence cooperation with Afghanistan could mark a major turning point in regional geopolitics, strengthening Kabul’s military capabilities and deepening India’s strategic footprint in the region.
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