New Delhi: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday described Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism as a “shared threat” for both India and Afghanistan during talks with Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi in Delhi. Highlighting the menace of cross-border terrorism, Jaishankar emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to combat such threats and stressed India’s concern over Pakistan’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. Calling Afghanistan a “contiguous neighbour” and a friend, he underscored India’s deep interest in Afghanistan’s development and security, noting that the two countries must work together against terrorism in all its forms.

Jaishankar appreciated Afghanistan’s sensitivity to India’s security concerns, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and highlighted the narrow 106-km Wakhan Corridor that connects Afghanistan to the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region. Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Muttaqi reciprocated by affirming the country’s commitment to preventing its territory from being used against others, acknowledging the regional threat posed by Daesh, and recognizing India as a vital partner in combating terrorism. He also praised India’s role as the first responder during the recent earthquake in Afghanistan and acknowledged India’s longstanding civilizational, cultural, and people-to-people ties with Afghanistan.

Muttaqi further emphasized Afghanistan’s readiness to establish mechanisms to strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on mutual respect, trade, and people-to-people connectivity. The week-long visit, running from October 9–16, marks the first high-level delegation from Kabul to New Delhi since the Taliban assumed power in August 2021. The discussions reflect both nations’ shared commitment to tackling terrorism, ensuring regional stability, and fostering cooperative relations in areas such as humanitarian aid, security, and development, sending a strong strategic message to Pakistan.