Taliban praise India for development efforts but warn against military role

Appreciating India’s humanitarian and developmental efforts in Afghanistan such as building the Salma Dam, roads, and other infrastructure projects in the country, the Taliban has asked India to refrain from playing a military role in Afghanistan.
Speaking to ANI, Qatar-based spokesperson of Taliban Suhail Shaheen said, “What do you mean by military role? If they come to Afghanistan militarily and have their presence. I think that will not be good for them, they have seen the fate of military presence in Afghanistan of other countries. So it is an open book for them. And about their help to the Afghan people or national projects, I think that is something which is appreciated.” India has been assisting Afghanistan in capacity building, whether it is parliament, schools, roads or dams. India has infused more than $2 billion in assistance to Afghanistan. “We appreciate everything that has been done for the people of Afghanistan like dams, national projects, infrastructure and anything that is for the development of Afghanista,” Shaheen added.
Fearing an escalation of violence between Afghan forces and Taliban, many countries, including India and the US, are evacuating staff from consulates located in provinces that had fallen under the Taliban. “About assurance to diplomats and embassies, there is no danger from our side to them. We will not target any embassy or any diplomat.... On India’s concerns, I think it is up to them. About us, our position is clear we are not targeting any diplomat or embassy,” Shaheen said.
Asked about the safety of Sikhs and Hindus living in Afghanistan, the Taliban spokesperson said minorities will be allowed to practice their rituals. He also denied any link between Pakistani terror outfits and the Taliban and termed it as politically motivated and baseless allegations. He also added that Afghan soil will not be used against any foreign country, including India.

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