‘War benefits no one’: Taliban official on India-Pakistan tensions

**Taliban Spokesman Emphasizes Afghanistan’s Desire for Regional Peace Amid India‑Pakistan Tensions**

*Kabul, Afghanistan – 28 August 2026* – Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told host Runjhun Sharma on the “India, Russia, and the World” podcast that Afghanistan has “suffered greatly” from prolonged conflict and that “war benefits no one.” Mujahid said the Taliban government does not seek war or instability in the region and does not wish for any country to take military action against another.

When asked hypothetically whether the Taliban would intervene militarily on behalf of India against Pakistan, Mujahid responded that Afghanistan “does not want war or instability in the region, and we do not want any country to take action against another.” He added that Afghanistan was not the initiator of the recent border clashes with Pakistan, describing its actions as “defending ourselves” after what he termed a Pakistani violation of Afghan territory.

Mujahid also highlighted the shared cultural, trade, and geographic ties of communities on both sides of the border, noting that continued conflict would harm civilians in both countries. He referenced recent Pakistani airstrikes that, according to Afghan officials, have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.

In a separate interview with the same podcast, Abdul Rahman Habib, a spokesman for the Taliban’s Ministry of Economy, said the government intends to safeguard a prospective rail corridor linking Russia to India that would pass through Afghanistan. The project, he said, could provide employment opportunities for Afghans and enhance regional trade.

Mujahid reiterated that Afghanistan is “placing great importance on maintaining a strong relationship with India,” describing the bilateral ties as moving in a “positive direction.” He also mentioned Afghanistan’s ongoing reconstruction efforts and expressed interest in leveraging Russian expertise and resources to support rebuilding and economic cooperation.

The Taliban’s statements come amid heightened India‑Pakistan tensions, which have occasionally spilled over into Afghan territory. Islamabad has previously accused Afghanistan of harboring militants who carry out attacks inside Pakistan, while Afghan officials have condemned Pakistani strikes that they say target civilians.

The remarks were reported by RT.com and later republished by Afghanistan Sun. No official response from the governments of India or Pakistan was included in the coverage.

Article and image source: afghanistansun.com