Taliban praises India for resisting US pressure on Afghanistan

June 17, 2012 16:05

In an unusual comment, Afghan Talibanhas praised India as a "significant country" in the region andsaid New Delhi has done well to resist US calls for greater military involvement in Afghanistan.

"No doubt that India is a significant country in theregion... They are aware of the Afghans' aspirations, creedsand love for freedom. It is totally illogical they shouldplunge their nation into a calamity just for the Americanpleasure," the Taliban said in a statement.

The group, accused of repeatedly targetting Indianinterests in Afghanistan and believed to be close to Pakistanispy agency ISI, praised India for what it called sending USDefence Secretary Leon Panetta "empty handed towards Kabul."

Taliban led by elusive one-eyed Mullah Omar said thatPanetta in his recent visit to India encouraged New Delhi totake a more active role in Afghanistan as most foreign combattroops leave the country in 2014, but he failed to "gain anysuccess or progress in his efforts."

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