Taliban labels India a ‘Key regional partner’ following historic meeting
The Taliban recently called India a “significant regional and economic partner” after high-level talks between officials from both countries. This marks the first such meeting since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai on Wednesday.
The two discussed expanding relations, with a particular focus on boosting trade via the Chabahar Port in Iran. India has developed the port as an alternative route for goods, bypassing Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar ports, which are rivals to India. The Taliban expressed its intent to strengthen political and economic ties with India as part of its “balanced and economy-focused foreign policy.”
India’s foreign ministry echoed the sentiment, stating that it was exploring development projects in Afghanistan and aiming to enhance trade. India also committed to providing support for the rehabilitation of Afghan refugees, many of whom have been repatriated by Pakistan and Iran. Since late 2023, about one million refugees have returned to Afghanistan.
India pledged to offer material support, especially in Afghanistan’s health sector, in response to requests from Afghan officials. The two sides also discussed strengthening ties in sports, particularly in cricket. Although no country, including India, officially recognizes the Taliban administration, India reopened its embassy in Kabul in June 2022, sending a team of technical experts to handle operations.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi closed in November 2023 after diplomats appointed by the previous Afghan government were unable to extend their visas. Despite this, the Taliban appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as its acting consul in Mumbai in November 2023.
India continues to assist Afghanistan by sending humanitarian aid, including wheat, medicines, COVID vaccines, and winter clothing. The meeting between the two countries comes amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Last week, Pakistan launched an operation targeting what it claimed were armed groups in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Afghanistan denies the accusation that Afghan soil is used to launch attacks on Pakistan.
The operation resulted in dozens of casualties, mainly women and children. India condemned the airstrikes on Afghan soil, underscoring its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Despite the long-standing rivalry between India and Pakistan, India and the Taliban agreed to maintain regular contact to address security concerns, with both sides emphasizing the importance of continued communication.
As the relationship between India and Afghanistan evolves, these diplomatic meetings signal a potential shift in regional dynamics, particularly as India seeks to enhance its influence in the region and support Afghanistan’s reconstruction.
