Afghanistan’s Taliban government reached a new milestone in regional diplomacy on Wednesday as its Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, arrived in New Delhi for talks with Indian officials — the first such visit since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed the visit on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Warm welcome to Afghan Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, on his arrival in New Delhi. We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues.”
According to the Afghan foreign ministry, Muttaqi will hold talks with India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and other senior officials to discuss political, economic, and trade cooperation. The visit underscores Kabul’s effort to strengthen ties with regional powers in hopes of boosting its struggling economy and seeking gradual diplomatic recognition.
Since taking control after the US withdrawal in August 2021, the Taliban has been recognised formally only by Russia. Other countries, including India, have opted for cautious engagement without granting official recognition.
Historically, India and Afghanistan shared close ties, particularly in infrastructure and development assistance. However, New Delhi shut its embassy in Kabul following the Taliban takeover. A year later, India reopened a limited diplomatic mission to facilitate trade, medical support, and humanitarian aid — a tentative step toward re-engagement.
For the Taliban, India represents a crucial regional partner and potential investor, while for New Delhi, maintaining a working relationship with Kabul is key to countering security concerns and safeguarding regional stability. |
