New Delhi strengthens Taliban diplomatic ties

India on Friday unveiled a slew of developmental initiatives for Afghanistan and an upgrade of its diplomatic presence in Kabul as external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi for the first time to discuss ways to advance bilateral cooperation and tackle security challenges.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Muttaqi, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, is the first senior Taliban functionary to officially visit the country, marking a significant step forward in India’s efforts to enhance the working relationship with the regime in Kabul while stopping short of formal recognition of the Taliban administration.

The visit comes at a time when the relations of both Afghanistan and India with Pakistan are under severe strain. The Taliban, which faces Pakistan's ire for not cracking down on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in April and has sought formal recognition from India.

Jaishankar and Muttaqi were effusive in their remarks regarding India-Afghanistan ties in televised remarks at the start of their meeting at Hyderabad House, the official venue used by the government to host visiting dignitaries. Muttaqi described India as an "important country" in the region and sought the creation of a mechanism to further strengthen ties. India said it will reopen its embassy in Kabul that was shut after the Taliban seized power in 2021.

"Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan," said Jaishankar, who had spoken to Muttaqi twice on phone this year. "However, a meeting between us in person has a special value in allowing us to exchange perspectives, identify common interests and forge closer cooperation." He also described India as a "contiguous neighbour" of Afghanistan, referring to Pakistan's illegal occupation of parts of Kashmir.

Muttaqi, speaking in Pashto, said the two sides should build on civilisational and people-topeople ties over the centuries and their "close policy positions on many issues" to increase engagements and exchanges.

"We hope that through talks and dialogue, we can increase the level of understanding between us," he said.