In a first, Acting Foreign Minister of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan lands in India
In what is being billed as a landmark visit, Taliban acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a week-long visit — the first ministerial-level engagement between India and the Taliban since the group’s return to power in August 2021. The visit follows a temporary travel exemption granted by the UN Security Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee on September 30, lifting Muttaqi’s long-standing travel ban.
Upon arrival, Muttaqi was welcomed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who said New Delhi looks forward to “engaging discussions on bilateral and regional matters.” Muttaqi is expected to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and will also visit the Taj Mahal, Darul Uloom Deoband, and Afghan community representatives during his stay.
Although India has not formally recognised the Taliban regime, the visit signals a cautious diplomatic recalibration.
India was amongst the last of the regional countries to open channels of communication with the Taliban, whe it was immune that the US would withdraw from that country. It has been amongst the most consistent supporters of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
The visit marks a sea change from India ‘s earlier approach to the Taliban.
Analysts say New Delhi seeks to safeguard its strategic interests and maintain dialogue on regional stability, counterterrorism, and humanitarian aid. The timing coincides with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai, underscoring India’s growing foreign policy engagement on multiple fronts.
About The Author
