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New Delhi: Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India on October 9 for a six-day visit, marking the first high-level engagement between New Delhi and the Taliban regime since 2021. The United Nations granted a temporary travel exemption to facilitate his trip.
Muttaqi is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. He will also hold discussions with Afghan community representatives and Indian business groups. Symbolically, he plans to visit the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary and the Taj Mahal.
India faces a diplomatic challenge as it has not recognized the Taliban regime and still displays the flag of the former Islamic Republic of Afghanistan at its embassy. Officials are weighing how to handle formal protocol during the meetings.
Talks are expected to focus on restoring full diplomatic engagement, reopening consular services, and expanding trade links. The Taliban delegation is seeking Indian cooperation in food supply, medical care, infrastructure, and education. India aims to safeguard its interests amid China and Pakistan’s growing presence in Afghanistan.
On security, New Delhi emphasized that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism. Officials welcomed the Taliban’s condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The agenda also includes regional connectivity, including the Chabahar Port project and border trade routes.
This visit reflects a cautious but pragmatic shift in India’s policy toward Afghanistan, balancing humanitarian engagement with strategic caution.
