Kabul: Taliban leader Sher Mohammed Abbas Stanekzai made it clear that the group he leads wants to continue Afghanistan’s political, economic and cultural ties with neighbours India. This is the first time a member of the Taliban’s top hierarchy has spoken on the issue since the Taliban took over Kabul in mid-August.
Stanekzai spoke extensively in a nearly 46-minute video posted on the Taliban’s social media platforms on Saturday. He also spoke about the Taliban’s views on relations with key countries, including India, Pakistan, China and Russia.
“India is very important for this subcontinent. We want to continue our cultural, economic and trade ties with India like in the past,” Stanekzai was quoted as saying in the video.
“Trade with India through Pakistan is very important for us. With India, trade through air corridors will also remain open,” he said while outlining the Taliban’s trade plans for the region.
“We give due importance to our political, economic and trade ties with India and we want these ties to continue. We are looking forward to working with India in this regard,” added Stanekzai.
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