India has firmly rejected Pakistan’s latest attempt to drag New Delhi into its escalating conflict with Afghanistan, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clearly stating that India had “nothing to do” with the cross-border tensions along the Durand Line or the recent Kabul bombing.
Speaking exclusively to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Singh dismissed Islamabad’s allegations as part of a familiar pattern of blame-shifting. “These are completely baseless, unsubstantiated accusations,” he said, responding to Pakistan’s insinuation that India had a hand in worsening the Afghanistan-Pakistan standoff.
Singh reaffirmed that India’s foreign policy is guided by peace and self-reliance, not provocation. “We do not seek or encourage any kind of confrontation. We want peace in the world. We are in favour of peace. We will not provoke anyone or encourage conflict with anyone,” he asserted.
At the same time, the Defence Minister made it clear that India’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness. “But if someone teases or provokes us, we will not spare them,” he declared. Emphasising India’s self-reliant defence posture, Singh added, “We do not use crutches to defend our self-respect. We do it ourselves. We take decisions on our own and take required actions on our own.”
India distances itself from Durand Line dispute
When asked about the long-standing dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan over the Durand Line, Singh reiterated that the issue was a bilateral matter in which India would not interfere. “Whatever the issue, all the countries involved should sit down and settle it by negotiation,” he said, calling for dialogue and diplomacy instead of escalation.
He also made India’s position unmistakably clear: “We do not want to intervene in another country’s affairs.”
Taking a subtle dig at Pakistan’s habit of dragging India into every regional dispute, Singh added, “We do not believe in ‘maan na maan, main tera mehmaan’ (whether you like it or not, I am your guest).” He underscored that India would only engage in any mediation process if “both countries agree that there should be outside interference and that an impartial process of dialogue should be started.”
India rebuffs Pakistan’s blame game
Singh’s remarks effectively countered Pakistan’s attempt to deflect attention from its deteriorating ties with Kabul. The clashes between Afghan and Pakistani border troops and the bombing in Kabul have exposed Islamabad’s growing loss of control over the region. By pinning the blame on India, Pakistan appears to be resorting to its usual strategy of externalising internal failures.
The Defence Minister’s categorical response not only dismantled Pakistan’s claims but also reaffirmed India’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and respect for sovereignty, while leaving no doubt about New Delhi’s readiness to defend its national interest when provoked.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
