I personally think cordial relations with new Indian govt should be cultivated. Will help remove psychological barriers, fear & misgivings. — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 23, 2014

India salutes the efforts of India's security personnel & Afghan security forces for their valiant efforts to fight the terrorists in Herat. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2014

PM designate @narendramodi & Prez Karzai of #Afghanistan have a telephone conversation regarding attack on #India's Consulate in Herat. — Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) May 23, 2014

NEW DELHI: Friday's pre-dawn attack on the Indian consulate by Taliban in Herat in western Afghanistan, just three days before Narendra Modi 's swearing-in, underscored the extremely tough task for the new Prime Minister as he opens up a new channel of communication with the Nawaz Sharif government in Pakistan.The attack came just days after Modi invited all SAARC leaders, including Sharif, for his swearing-in ceremony in a gesture that signals his desire to build better relations with all neighbours.All nine Indians in the consulate, including Consul General Amit Mishra, were safe, but the eight-hour encounter with the heavily armed terrorists indicated their deadly intent. The attack was repulsed by a contingent of ITBP personnel and Afghan security forces.However, the Taliban attack and the support that Taliban is known to enjoy from Pakistani agencies indicates the complexity of dealing with India's western neighbour. It makes plain that there are many players in Pakistan who are inimical to any kind of normalization of ties between the two countries. To that extent, it also reduces Modi's elbow room for his diplomatic outreach to Islamabad.In a statement, which was vetted by Modi, the Indian government seemed to acknowledge the challenge as it blamed the "cowardly" attack on Pakistan-backed terror groups operating in Afghanistan. "The main threat to Afghanistan and its peace and stability and security stems from terrorism beyond its borders."Pakistan, too, condemned the attack, saying "no cause justifies targeting of diplomatic missions." Islamabad also said that it was deeply relieved that no Indian diplomat was hurt in the attack.Coming amid indications that Nawaz Sharif was veering round to attending Modi government's inauguration on Monday, the Herat attack was also seen as a warning to the Pakistani government not to warm up to India. LET chief Hafiz Saeed publicly warned Sharif that a visit to India would be a betrayal of the Kashmir cause. "What will you (Sharif) answer the Kashmiris if you go to India?" he said.Sharif has not yet officially indicated whether he would attend. But Pakistani media have quoted officials in the foreign ministry who recommended that Sharif should accept the invitation. Even opposition leaders have weighed in supporting his visit. However, Sharif is in a bind. All indications are that the powerful Pakistan army and ISI may not be in favour of his visit at this time.Nawaz Sharif's daughter tweets:Experts felt the attack appeared to be part of Taliban's "Spring Offensive" that was launched on May 12. Codenamed Operation Khaybar (a battle Muslims won against Jews in 629 AD), Taliban have mounted attacks in Jalalabad, Helmand and Uruzgan provinces. In the past week, Yamgan in remote Badakhshan province has seen the Taliban capture the governor's building and take officials hostage.Indian officials believe these attacks, backed by Pakistan-based jehadi groups, could only increase in the weeks and months ahead. With US and NATO forces moving out of Afghanistan, Indian interests would become increasingly vulnerable.Modi spoke to the Indian ambassador in Kabul, Amar Sinha, soon after hearing about the attack. After enquiring whether reinforcements should be sent to beef up security further, Modi signed off with a quip, "Humein chinta nahin hai, kyonki aap to Amar hain!" Modi then spoke to Afghan president Hamid Karzai who briefed him on the Afghan government assessment of the attack. Karzai also called the outgoing prime minister, Manmohan Singh, this evening to brief him on the day's events.Security sources here and in Afghanistan confirmed the siege lasted for almost eight hours, adding it was very similar to the Taliban attack on the Afghan Election Commission headquarters in Kabul on March 29, days before Afghanistan went to the polls.Expressing gratitude for the assistance by Afghan forces, MEA spokesperson, Syed Akbaruddin said, "Our diplomatic premises in Afghanistan have been repeatedly attacked by elements who clearly do not support the Afghan people's effort to rebuild and redevelop their country. Attacks of this nature will not dilute India's commitment to assisting Afghanistan in its reconstruction and development efforts."Herat may have been considered "safe" by Afghan standards, situated as it is on the western flank of the country. But in the past year, Herat and its surrounding provinces have seen an increased Taliban activity, particularly from Farah province next door and northern Helmand. India has invested over $300 billion in the hydropower Salma dam project in Herat province.Security experts are also drawing attention to an obscure terror group allied to al-Qaida called Ansar-ut-Tawheed fi Bilaad Hind (Brotherhood for Monotheism in the land of Hind) and operating from the badlands of western Pakistan calling for attacks against Indian interests anywhere in the world.