India has approved the entry of 160 trucks from Afghanistan carrying dry fruits and nuts through the Attari border in Punjab. Officials described the move as a “special gesture.” This decision came just one day after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. It marked the first official diplomatic exchange between the two sides.
Pakistan Initially Blocked Trucks
Pakistan had first stopped the Afghan trucks from crossing. Later, Pakistani authorities allowed some of them to unload their goods at the Attari border. India has not officially recognized the Taliban regime, which currently governs Afghanistan.
Border Closed After Terror Attack
India shut the Attari-Wagah border on April 23. This closure followed a terror attack in Pahalgam that took place the day before and killed 26 people. Previously, Pakistan only allowed one-way trade through this border—Afghan goods could be exported to India, but not the other way around. In 2021, however, Pakistan made an exception. It allowed Indian trucks carrying wheat to reach Afghanistan during a famine.
Jaishankar–Muttaqi Conversation Highlights Cooperation
Earlier this week, Jaishankar said he had a “good conversation” with Muttaqi. He mentioned that they talked about the long-standing ties between the two nations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation. Jaishankar also appreciated Muttaqi for condemning the Pahalgam attack.
He added, “Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continued support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward.”
Taliban Denies Pakistani Allegations
During their call, Muttaqi also rejected recent claims made by Pakistani media. Some reports accused India of using the Taliban to conduct a false flag operation in Pahalgam. Pakistani media even suggested that India had fired missiles into Afghan territory.
However, Indian sources told that Muttaqi firmly denied these charges. He called the claims “false and baseless.” He also repeated the Taliban’s strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and showed willingness to keep diplomatic ties stable.
