'Embassy-diplomats not a threat to us'; Taliban praises India's work in Afghanistan

A statement has been issued on behalf of the Taliban regarding the projects being run by India in Afghanistan. Along with this, India has also been warned by the Taliban not to join as a military presence in Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Mohammad Suhail Shaheen said that we appreciate everything done for the people of Afghanistan, including dams, national and infrastructure projects. Anything that is being done for the development, reconstruction and economic prosperity of the people of Afghanistan deserves praise. The Taliban have made it clear that there is no threat to the embassies and diplomats from our side. We will not target any embassy or diplomat. We have said this many times in our statements, it is part of our commitment.

Taliban spokesman Mohammad Suhail Shaheen said the Taliban's deep links with Pakistan-based terror groups were baseless. They are based not on ground reality, but on politically motivated goals. When asked whether Taliban can assure India that Afghan soil will not be used against it, Taliban spokesperson said that we will not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against any country including neighboring countries. Taliban spokesperson said that there were reports of Indian delegation meeting our delegation, but I cannot confirm it. To my knowledge, the (separate) meeting has not taken place, but yesterday we had a meeting in Doha, which was also attended by an Indian delegation.

On the removal of Nishan Sahib from a gurdwara in Paktia, Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said that the flag was removed by the Sikh community. When our security officers went there, they said that if they saw the flag, someone would disturb them. Our people assured him and he hoisted it again. Taliban spokesman Mohammad Suhail Shaheen said that they (India) have been helping the Afghan people or national projects. They used to do it in the past. I think this is something that is appreciated. They (India) come to Afghanistan militarily and they have a presence, so I think it will not be good for them. He has seen the fate of other countries' military presence in Afghanistan, so it is an open book for him.