•Since February 2026, Afghanistan-Pakistan border has been a high-stakes theatre of war with relentless air strikes and artillery barrages.
•India views the conflict as a critical security development impacting its western frontier, energy ambitions, and battle against cross-border terrorism.
•The conflict marks the collapse of Pakistan's 'strategic depth' myth, with the Taliban emerging as an independent actor refusing to recognize the Durand Line.
•India is leveraging the situation to recalibrate its relationship with Kabul, condemning Pakistani strikes and positioning itself as a defender of Afghan sovereignty.
•New Delhi is focused on preventing the region from becoming a breeding ground for radical elements and securing energy routes via Chabahar Port, while monitoring China's role.
