Stanikzai addressed Afghanistan on national television and radio on August 30, 2021 where he spoke of the Taliban's desire for friendly relations with the United States, NATO and India, further stating that he would not allow Pakistan to use Afghan territory in its cold conflict with India. Stanikzai also spoke of the country's Sikhs and Hindus, stating that they can live peacefully and hoping that those who left will return.[18][19]