Taliban Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Mawlawi Attaullah Omari on Friday praised the Indian government, stating that the Taliban and India share the same DNA. Speaking during an India-Afghanistan trade and industry interaction in New Delhi, Omari said, 'From the very first day I landed in India, I received a warm welcome from the Indian government, the Minister of External Affairs, and everyone I met. It feels as if I am among my own people. It feels like our own country... our DNA is one.'
Expanding Contacts Despite Non-Recognition
The remarks come amid steadily expanding contacts between India and the Taliban regime, even though New Delhi has not formally recognized the Taliban government. Omari's first visit to India included meetings with Indian officials and business leaders, focusing on trade and agricultural cooperation.
Pakistan's Concerns
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban government of failing to curb the activities of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and of allowing Indian-sponsored terrorists to operate from Afghan territory. These accusations have strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban regime, which took power in Afghanistan in August 2021.
India's Strategic Interests
India has maintained a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and has provided humanitarian aid, including wheat and medicines, to the Taliban-led government. Analysts view India's engagement as a strategic move to counter Pakistan's influence in Afghanistan and to protect its investments in the country, which include development projects worth over $3 billion.
