Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 9: Security and strategic analyst Brig (retired) Anil Gupta has said that the visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to India signifies an important step toward strengthening the historic and long-standing relations between the two nations.
In a statement issued today, Brig Gupta said India and Afghanistan have traditionally enjoyed close ties founded on cultural affinity, mutual respect, and development cooperation. He noted that these relations have occasionally faced challenges due to Pakistan’s persistent attempts to distance Kabul from New Delhi, which have harmed the genuine interests of the Afghan people and regional stability. Despite such hurdles, India has remained consistent in its support for Afghanistan’s reconstruction, infrastructure growth, and social development.
Brig Gupta emphasized that in international relations there are no permanent friends or foes, only permanent national interests. He said India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to uphold its strategic autonomy and freedom from external alignment pressures. “Our foreign policy is guided solely by national interests and bilateral engagement, not by dictates from external powers or blocs,” he stated.
Commenting on global developments, Brig Gupta observed that unilateral decisions by major powers and coercive tactics against independent nations have compelled countries to reassess their foreign policy priorities. India’s opposition to unilateralism, he said, stems from its belief in a fair, multipolar world order based on dialogue, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty.
He further asserted that engagement with the current leadership in Kabul, including the Taliban Government, should be guided by realism and pragmatism. Constructive dialogue, according to him, can enhance regional stability, counter extremism, and create avenues for humanitarian aid, trade, connectivity, and counter-narcotics efforts.
Brig Gupta reiterated India’s firm stand against radicalism and violent extremism, describing the Afghan minister’s visit as a reaffirmation of the partnership between two sovereign nations committed to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
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