‘From war to the rule of law’

You are celebrating the fifth anniversary of your Victory Day. What has been India’s role and response since your government came into being?

We thank the leadership of India and S. Jaishankar, India’s minister for external affairs, for their support in protecting and respecting the international rights of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. We also appreciate their emphasis at international forums on the need to ensure Afghanistan’s legitimate international rights.

Afghanistan and India have had long-standing bilateral ties. Has the historic connection between the two nations helped your government take the relationship further?

Yes, that’s correct. For centuries, Afghanistan and India have remained connected through trade, transit, sports and a shared cultural heritage. Throughout our history, the routes linking our two countries served as channels for the exchange of knowledge and art, as well as for the transmission of the values of literature and spirituality. The ancient cities of Afghanistan, such as Kabul, Herat and Kandahar, welcomed Indian traders and caravans, while Indian cities, such as Delhi and pre-partition Lahore, benefited from the influence of Afghan scholars, poets and sufis. The two countries influenced one another in the political sphere as well – in their struggles for freedom and independence from British colonial rule. This is our shared past, from which we draw inspiration for a better future.

Would stronger ties between India and Afghanistan help in the regional context?

Absolutely. We believe that stronger political trust, economic partnership and continued engagement between Afghanistan and India will not only benefit both countries, but will also make an important contribution to regional stability, connectivity and shared prosperity.  Our foreign policy is based on the principles of balanced engagement, mutual respect, non-interference and shared interests. Afghanistan seeks to maintain positive, constructive, pragmatic and sustainable relations with all countries and believes that the most effective way to address existing challenges is through understanding, engagement and practical co-operation.

Afghanistan is celebrating its fifth Victory Day – and these celebrations have been held in Delhi too. Can you highlight the significance of this day?

The fifth Victory Day is an important day in Afghanistan’s contemporary history. This day is not merely the anniversary of a political transformation; it also marks the beginning of a new chapter. We have left the chapter of war behind and embarked on a new chapter in which Afghanistan, under prudent and unified leadership and within the framework of the Islamic system, has been taking steps towards stability, reconstruction, economic growth and the expansion of relations with the world based on mutual respect. We were delighted to have Anand Prakash, joint secretary, PAI division, ministry for external affairs, India, as our chief guest, besides diplomats from other missions.

Where is Afghanistan heading in terms of economic development?

Economic development is paramount. We are supporting the private sector, promoting domestic production, expanding trade facilitation and developing investment and contracts in the mining sector for the lawful utilisation of natural resources. These are considered important steps towards increasing economic activity and employment opportunities.

What has been Afghanistan’s most significant achievements during the past five years?

Amongst the significant achievements during the past five years have been the implementation of the sacred Sharia, the strengthening of the country’s security and independent decision-making, as well as the consolidation of stability. This security is not only a necessity for Afghans, but also serves the shared interests of the region and the world. A peaceful, stable and responsible Afghanistan creates new opportunities for regional connectivity, trade, investment and economic co-operation, while also playing a constructive role in preventing shared security threats.

I would like to add that during this period, the focus of the government has shifted from managing war towards strengthening the rule of law, expanding diplomatic and economic relations with countries, the reconstruction and economic development of the country and the provision of public services.