(MENAFN) India has voiced its strong backing for Afghanistan in the ongoing dispute with Pakistan, affirming its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Afghan nation.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Foreign Ministry, informed journalists that Pakistan “hosts terrorist organizations” and “sponsors terrorist activities” within the region.

He further accused Pakistan of a longstanding habit of deflecting responsibility onto its neighbors for its own internal shortcomings. Jaiswal emphasized that Pakistan is “infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories.”

He reiterated that India remains “fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan.”

These remarks were made shortly after a violent clash between Afghan and Pakistani forces, which tragically resulted in the loss of more than a dozen civilian lives.

Following the confrontation, both nations agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, amid mutual accusations regarding who sparked the fighting and conflicting reports about casualties.

In a related development, India announced last week that it plans to reopen its embassy in Kabul, thereby restoring diplomatic ties after a four-year hiatus.

During a meeting in New Delhi with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted that “Closer cooperation between us contributes to your national development, as well as regional stability and resilience.”

Muttaqi welcomed the reopening, describing it as an opportunity to “open a new chapter” in the relationship between the two neighboring countries and expressing that Afghanistan regards India as a “close friend.”

This statement reflects India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Afghanistan despite ongoing regional challenges and conflicts.

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