'Good Conversation': Jaishankar Speaks To Afghan Counterpart After Pakistan's 'Missile Hit' Claim
Last Updated:
EAM S Jaishankar said he welcomed Afghanistan's "firm rejection" of attempts by Pakistan to create a rift between the two countries through "false and baseless" reports
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday spoke to his Afghani counterpart, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, and reaffirmed India's 'traditional friendship" with the Taliban-governed country.
This comes after Pakistan said an Indian missile had hit Afghanistan – a claim that was swiftly denied by Kabul on May 10.
Jaishankar said he welcomed Afghanistan's 'firm rejection" of attempts by Pakistan to create a rift between the two countries through 'false and baseless" reports. He appreciated the government's condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22.
'Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack," he said in a post on X.
Good conversation with Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi this evening. Deeply appreciate his condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 15, 2025
He added: 'Welcomed his firm rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan through false and baseless reports."
He highlighted India's friendship with Afghanistan and said he discussed future cooperation between the two countries with Muttaqi.
'Underlined our traditional friendship with the Afghan people and continuing support for their development needs. Discussed ways and means of taking cooperation forward," he wrote.
After Pakistan's claims about the missile hit, Afghanistan refuted them as 'false". Afghan defence ministry spokesperson Enaitullah Khawarzmi said Pakistan's allegations were 'unfounded".
'Afghanistan is safe and secure. No such incident has taken place," Khaama Press reported, quoting a spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defence.
India, too, has described Pakistan's allegations as 'false" and a 'completely ludicrous claim".
Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry had claimed that one of the missiles fired by India during Operation Sindoor had landed inside Afghan territory.
(With PTI inputs)
First Published:
May 15, 2025, 21:24 IST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
23 minutes ago
- Mint
PM Modi to meet all-party global outreach delegations on Operation Sindoor today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with the members of the all-party delegation today at 7 PM at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, under Operation Sindoor outreach. The all-party delegations that toured the world to explain Operation Sindoor are back home. Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju's office has informed the delegation members about the meeting, according to sources quoted by news agency ANI. Seven delegations visited several countries to address audiences, policymakers, and elected representatives on India's position on Pakistan's decades-long promotion of terrorism and New Delhi's new normal in tackling cross-border terror after Operation Sindoor. The multi-party delegations—comprising 59 lawmakers and former diplomats—travelled to 33 countries, including the European Union. The delegation included MPs from multiple parties, divided into seven groups consisting of 8-9 members. A leader was assigned for each group, who led the delegation on a global level. The delegations were headed by senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Panda, Janata Dal (United) leader Sanjay Jha, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde. As many as 26 people were killed and several others injured in the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on 22 April. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The delegations, apart from putting forward India's position against terror also highlighted how Pakistan has been sponsoring terror and using it against India, while also calling Pakistan to be put in the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Key Takeaways Operation Sindoor was launched in response to a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan. The all-party delegations included representatives from multiple political parties and aimed to present India's position on terrorism to a global audience. The delegations visited 33 countries, emphasizing Pakistan's role in sponsoring terrorism and advocating for its inclusion in the FATF's grey list.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Indian Judiciary's commitment to justice transcends borders: Justice Kant
Justice Surya Kant NEW DELHI: Justice Surya Kant of Indian Supreme Court on Monday told the Indian business community in Washington that Indian judiciary understood the problems faced by the Indian diaspora and NRIs and played a crucial role in resolving unique challenges faced by them relating to property, inheritance and custody of children in soured matrimonial relations. Speaking with Indian businessmen from various states gathered under the banner of 'Washington Telangana Association', Justice Kant said, 'With procedural adaptations and a growing recognition of cross-border complexities, the courts have made justice more accessible to those living abroad. In certain areas, the judiciary has also extended the protection of Fundamental Rights, ensuring that non-resident citizens are treated with fairness and equality under the law. ' 'In doing so, it reinforces the message that India's commitment to justice does not end at its borders, it reaches all those who continue to carry the country in their hearts,' he added. Commending the resilience of Indian diaspora to maintain their identity while continuing to participate in the technological innovations, research and community service in the countries they have made home while exploring opportunities, Justice Kant said the Indian identity thrives in our languages and festivals, but also in our collective commitment to justice, dignity, and mutual respect. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo These are the ideals that shape not just who we are, but who we continue to become, no matter where we live. ' Commending the role played by the Indian diaspora as ambassadors of India's rich cultural and constitutional legacy by not only preserving it for ourselves but sharing it with the world, the next CJI said, 'In doing so, we honour not only our past, but also our enduring responsibility to shape a future that is united in diversity, grounded in justice, and inspired by the very best of who we are.' 'The success of the Indian diaspora is not only measured in individual achievement - though that alone is remarkable. It is also reflected in the collective identity that communities have preserved and passed on across generations. Whether through temples, cultural centres, schools, or community events, the diaspora has cultivated a sense of belonging and solidarity, making the Indian identity one that thrives far beyond national borders,' he said.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
China's rare earth curbs a 'wake-up call' as India builds alternative supply chains: Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described China's rare earth export restrictions as a global "wake-up call" on Monday, emphasising that India is actively building alternative supply chains while positioning itself as a trusted partner for international businesses seeking to reduce their dependence on Chinese suppliers. Speaking to reporters during his official visit to Switzerland, where he meets with Swiss government officials and business leaders, Goyal acknowledged that China's export curbs will create short-term challenges for India's automotive and white goods sectors. However, he expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between government, industry, and innovators will transform these challenges into long-term opportunities. The minister outlined a comprehensive strategy to address the crisis, including diplomatic engagement through the Indian embassy's ongoing dialogue with Chinese authorities and the commerce ministry's efforts to identify alternative supply sources. The government is also strengthening Indian Rare Earths Limited by providing necessary resources to accelerate domestic production capabilities. "This situation serves as a wake-up call for all those who have become over-reliant on certain geographies," Goyal emphasised. "It's a wake-up call for the whole world that you need trusted partners in your supply chain." The automotive industry has specifically requested government assistance in expediting approval processes for importing rare earth magnets from China, which are essential components in passenger vehicles and various automotive applications. Live Events China's overwhelming control of global rare earth processing - commanding over 90 per cent of the world's magnet production capacity - has created significant vulnerabilities for industries worldwide. These materials are critical across multiple sectors, including automobiles, home appliances, and clean energy systems. The new Chinese restrictions, effective from April 4, require special export licenses for seven specific rare earth elements and their related magnetic products. "There are clearly issues around the suspension of permanent magnet supplies from China to India, which will particularly affect our auto sector and several white goods manufacturers," Goyal explained. "Some companies have submitted their applications, and we hope that pragmatic considerations will prevail and they will receive the necessary approvals." When questioned about potential government intervention through production-linked incentive schemes, Goyal reported encouraging discussions with automotive manufacturers. The companies have expressed strong confidence in their ability to address these supply chain challenges through partnerships with domestic innovators and startups. "They are actively engaging with our innovators and startups, indicating they will provide any necessary funding or pricing adjustments to encourage faster rollout and growth of this sector," the minister noted. He praised the evolving mindset within Indian industry, observing that companies are moving beyond traditional dependence on government subsidies. "More and more Indian industry is coming out of the old mindset that government subsidies and support alone will run our operations. They are becoming bigger and bolder in their approach." Goyal highlighted ongoing technological developments that could provide alternative solutions to Chinese rare earth dependencies. "There are some technologies that India is developing," he noted, emphasising the collaborative approach involving government, industry, startups, and innovators. "We are all working as a team and remain confident that while there may be challenges in the short run, we will emerge as winners in the medium to long term," he stated. The minister viewed the current disruption as presenting strategic opportunities for India's manufacturing ecosystem. He believes it will accelerate recognition of the importance of self-reliance and the value of establishing trustworthy supply chain partnerships. "There is an opportunity even in this crisis and challenge," Goyal observed. "More and more companies, businesses, and people in India will recognise that it is important to be self-reliant and to have trusted partners in supply chains. Increasingly, the world today wants India to be part of their supply chain because we are seen as a trusted partner." (ANI)
