India is reportedly in advanced talks with the Taliban-led Afghan government to deploy a sophisticated air defense system in Afghanistan – a move that could significantly shift the balance of power in South Asia. The incident comes after a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul, which targeted TTP commander Mufti Asim Noor Wali Mehsud.
Rising tensions between Pakistan and Taliban
Pakistan’s behavior has prompted fierce retaliation from the Afghan Taliban, who have responded with heavy shelling across the border. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed that Pakistani forces attacked civilians in the Spin Boldak quarter of Kandahar, killing 12 people and wounding more than 100. In retaliation, Taliban fighters reportedly destroyed several Pakistani posts, seized weapons and tanks, and inflicted heavy casualties.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Taliban released a graphic videotape that mocked the faces of Pakistani dogs killed in the conflict – a move that has further heightened tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. The Taliban claim their behavior was defensive, citing repeated Pakistani “intrusions” into Afghan homes.
Pakistan denies any provocation
However, Islamabad disputes this claim. Officials say Afghan forces and Pakistani Taliban militants opened fire “without any provocation”, prompting a “defensive” response. According to a source in the Chaman Quarter, fighting raged for hours before Pakistani forces repelled the attack.
In a separate incident, TTP insurgents attacked the Mahmudzai post in Orakzai, killing eight members of Pakistan’s Frontier Corps and wounding several others. With dozens of casualties on both sides, there is growing concern about the escalation of border clashes along the Durand Line.
India’s Expanding Strategic Role
Amidst the tensions, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttahida’s visit to New Delhi has caught the attention of locals. Judges see it as part of India’s push to counter Pakistan’s domestic strategy as well as to expand its influence in Kabul.
Still, India’s air defense cooperation with Afghanistan could mark a turning point in domestic geopolitics, enhancing Kabul’s service capabilities and further enhancing India’s strategic position in the region, if it is perfected.
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