Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has arrived in India, marking the first official visit by a senior Taliban leader since the group regained power in Kabul in 2021 after the withdrawal of US-led forces.
The trip was made possible after the UN Security Council temporarily lifted a travel ban on Muttaqi, allowing him to attend international diplomatic engagements.
India Welcomes Taliban Leader
Muttaqi received a warm welcome from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues.”
He is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during the visit. While the detailed agenda has not been disclosed, trade, security, and regional cooperation are expected to be key points of discussion.
Regional Impact and Pakistan’s Watchful Eye
Muttaqi’s visit is being closely monitored by Pakistan, India’s regional rival, as New Delhi steps up diplomatic engagement with the Taliban regime.
The Taliban minister had earlier met India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Dubai this year, signaling gradual efforts to expand dialogue.
Russia’s Recognition and Regional Diplomacy
This trip follows Muttaqi’s recent meetings in Moscow, where Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Taliban administration. At the same regional conference, Afghanistan’s neighbors – including India, Pakistan, Iran, China, and Central Asian nations – issued a joint statement opposing foreign military bases in Afghanistan.
The move was seen as a strong response to US plans to reclaim control of Bagram Air Base, a former American stronghold near Kabul.
India’s Role in Afghanistan
Although India has not yet formally recognized the Taliban government, it continues to play a role in Afghanistan through humanitarian aid and development projects.
India also hosts tens of thousands of Afghan refugees, many of whom fled after the Taliban’s return in 2021. While the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi shut down in 2023, consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad still provide limited services.
Why This Visit Matters
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First senior Taliban visit to India since 2021 takeover
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Highlights Taliban’s push for diplomatic recognition
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India balancing trade, security, and humanitarian concerns
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Pakistan and regional powers watching closely
Muttaqi’s India trip signals a new phase of engagement between New Delhi and Kabul, with both nations exploring economic ties, regional stability, and counter-terrorism cooperation despite the absence of formal recognition.
