India’s Historic Diplomatic Move: Jaishankar Holds First Talks with Taliban FM

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a scathing rebuttal to Pakistan’s claims during a press conference in New Delhi, exposing the Shahbaz Sharif government’s falsehoods about Operation Sindoor. He revealed that India had explicitly warned the Pakistan Army to stay clear of terrorist camps targeted in the May 8 operation, which dismantled Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “We told them to stay away, but they didn’t,” Jaishankar stated, countering Pakistan’s narrative of civilian casualties with irrefutable satellite imagery showing precise strikes on terror infrastructure.

Evidence Speaks
Jaishankar presented high-resolution satellite images, accessed via India’s RISAT-2B and Cartosat-3 satellites, confirming the destruction of nine terror camps, including those in Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan. 

The evidence, corroborated by posts on X, has intensified scrutiny of Pakistan’s military complicity in supporting terrorism, especially after the April 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.India made a historic diplomatic breakthrough as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, marking the first high-level political contact with the Taliban regime.

The conversation on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing mutual concerns, particularly terrorism. Jaishankar commended the Taliban’s swift condemnation of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, and their rejection of Pakistan’s attempts to strain India-Afghanistan relations through disinformation.

Countering Pakistan’s Influence
The talks come amid heightened tensions with Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Jaishankar emphasized India’s appreciation for the Taliban’s neutral stance, which refused to echo Pakistan’s narrative blaming India for regional instability. This engagement signals India’s strategic intent to counter Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan, where Islamabad has historically sought leverage through proxy groups. By engaging the Taliban directly, India aims to secure its interests, including the safety of its ongoing humanitarian projects like the Salma Dam and medical aid programs.

Focus on Regional Stability
Jaishankar and Muttaqi discussed fostering regional stability, with India reiterating its commitment to Afghanistan’s development despite not formally recognizing the Taliban government. The minister highlighted the need for cooperation against terrorism, referencing the Taliban’s actions against groups like the Islamic State-Khorasan. The call also touched on trade, with India exploring the revival of the Chabahar Port route to facilitate aid and commerce, bypassing Pakistan. This move aligns with India’s broader goal of ensuring a stable, terror-free South Asia.

A Pragmatic Shift in Policy
This unprecedented outreach marks a pragmatic shift in India’s Afghan policy, balancing caution with engagement. While India maintains its stance on inclusive governance in Kabul, Jaishankar’s dialogue underscores a willingness to work with the Taliban to counter shared threats. The move has sparked discussions on X about India’s evolving role in Afghan diplomacy, strengthening its position as a regional leader.