Taliban Foreign Minister Arrives in India: A Diplomatic Reset in Motion

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Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting India from October 9 to 16, marking the first high-level Taliban delegation to New Delhi since 2021. The visit aims to explore trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation amid shifting regional dynamics and cautious engagement from the Indian government

Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has departed for India, kicking off an eight-day diplomatic visit that signals a potential reset in India-Taliban relations. The visit follows his participation in the Moscow Format talks and comes under a temporary travel exemption granted by the UN Security Council.

Here are the key highlights:

– first official Taliban visit to India
Muttaqi’s trip marks the first political-level contact between India and the Taliban regime since their return to power in August 2021. The visit is seen as a cautious step toward reopening diplomatic channels.

– UN travel exemption
The United Nations Security Council’s sanctions committee granted Muttaqi a waiver under Resolution 1988, allowing him to travel to New Delhi between October 9 and 16. This exemption reflects growing international interest in engaging with the Taliban on regional stability.

– meetings with Indian officials
Muttaqi is expected to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Discussions will likely cover counter-terrorism cooperation, trade corridors, and humanitarian aid.

– diplomatic upgrades on the table
Talks may include restoring full embassy operations in Kabul and New Delhi, expanding consular services, and increasing visa quotas for Afghan students, medical travelers, and businesspersons.

– trade and infrastructure focus
Afghanistan is keen to boost cross-border commerce in textiles, food, and essential goods. The Chabahar Port issue—following the U.S. withdrawal of its waiver—is also expected to be discussed, given its importance to Afghan trade.

– regional security and counter-terrorism
India aims to engage the Taliban on terrorism-related concerns, especially after recent attacks in Jammu & Kashmir. The Taliban’s condemnation of such incidents has opened space for dialogue.

– backdrop of Moscow Format
Muttaqi’s visit follows his participation in the Moscow Format talks, where regional powers including India, Russia, China, and Iran emphasized Afghanistan’s integration into regional frameworks and rejected foreign military presence.

This visit marks a pivotal moment in India’s evolving Afghanistan policy, balancing strategic interests with diplomatic caution. While recognition of the Taliban regime remains off the table, engagement is clearly underway.

Sources: News18, Firstpost, MSN News, Amu TV, The New Indian Express