Taliban minister’s “We share the same DNA” remark in India sparks debate over growing ties
- Taliban minister says visiting India felt like being among “his own people.”
- Remarks about India and Afghanistan “sharing the same DNA” draw attention.
- India has expanded engagement with the Taliban but has not formally recognized the government.
- Regional countries continue to stress counterterrorism commitments and human rights concerns.
Afghanistan’s interim Taliban government’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, has triggered fresh political and diplomatic discussion following remarks made during his official visit to India.
According to Indian media reports, Omari arrived in India as part of a government delegation, where he was formally received by Indian officials. Speaking during the visit, he said that being in India felt as though he was among his own people and in his own homeland.
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During a press conference, the Taliban minister described relations between Afghanistan and India as exceptionally close. He went on to say that the two countries “share the same DNA,” a remark that drew smiles and a positive response from officials attending the event.
Political observers believe the Taliban administration is keen to deepen economic, trade and diplomatic cooperation with India. However, despite growing engagement between the two sides in recent years, New Delhi has yet to officially recognize the Taliban-led government. India has nevertheless restored its technical mission in Kabul and maintained diplomatic contacts with the Afghan authorities.
Meanwhile, several regional countries have voiced concern over the expanding relationship between India and the Taliban. They argue that the Taliban still has significant responsibilities in ensuring Afghan territory is not used for terrorist activities or cross-border militancy.
Regional governments have repeatedly called on the Taliban to fulfill its commitment that Afghan soil will not be used against any neighboring country. At the same time, members of the international community continue to raise concerns over the rights of women and minorities in Afghanistan, an issue that remains a major obstacle to broader international recognition of the Taliban administration.
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