Afghanistan's Interim Foreign Minister Arrives in Delhi for High-Level Talks
Afghanistan’s Interim Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has arrived in New Delhi for an eight-day visit, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban regime. Muttaqi is scheduled to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Discussions are expected to cover counter-terrorism, trade, and humanitarian aid. The visit, facilitated by a UN travel ban waiver requested by India, signals a pragmatic shift in New Delhi's stance towards Kabul.
Unpacked:
India requested the UN travel ban waiver to facilitate diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, aiming to discuss key issues like security, trade, and humanitarian aid. This reflects India’s pragmatic approach, allowing high-level talks without formally recognizing the Taliban government, and helps safeguard its interests in Afghanistan amid shifting regional dynamics.
Since 2021, India has shifted from limited contact to pragmatic engagement with the Taliban, holding official meetings and reopening its embassy in Kabul. India is now prioritizing dialogue to protect its security interests and expand trade, while balancing its stance by not officially recognizing the Taliban government.
India’s main interests are counter-terrorism cooperation, securing its investments and citizens, expanding trade, and countering the influence of Pakistan and China in Afghanistan. Engagement also helps India maintain regional stability and protect its long-standing development projects in the country.
Tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan, especially over militant groups like the TTP, give India an opportunity to strengthen its ties with Kabul. By engaging with the Taliban, India aims to reduce Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan and leverage the evolving regional power dynamics to its advantage.