“Your neighbour is your natural enemy and the neighbour’s neighbour is your friend”.-Chanakya Kautilya

In line with this famous adage of Brahmin alumnus of the 700 BC ‘Takshashila’ (university) at Taxila, India is following a friendly policy with Afghanistan detriment to Pakistan in the region. In pursuit of this, India has been portrayed as a friend of Afghans irrespective of the fact who rules this treacherous land-locked country. Indian impish diplomatic gimmicks have often succeeded in convincing Afghans and they remained oblivious to the Indian real intent.

It is difficult to disregard that India’s anti-Muslim policies conflict with Afghanistan’s Islamic ideals. With all empirical evidence, the Hindutva-driven mindset in India can never be regarded as compassionate to Muslims residing anywhere in the world. India’s aspired affinity with Afghanistan is a derivative of the former’s traditional Anti Pakistan agenda where Afghanistan stands as a natural ally due to its sour relations with Pakistan. Indian media, an effective tool for perpetrating favourable narratives has always depicted Afghans and Pathans as ruthless, merciless and deceitful. Indian cinema often depicts Muslims and Pathans as criminals, drug dealers, and smugglers for its global audience. The deliberate negative portrayals by Indian cinema and media contribute to the shaping of global perceptions, reinforcing prejudices against Afghans, Pathans, and Muslims.

Indian treatment of asylum-seeking Afghans is reflective that........

© Daily Times