Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi Visits India, Marks New Engagements

New Delhi: Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in the national capital last Thursday, marking the first high-level visit from Kabul since the Taliban took control over four years ago following the fall of the Ashraf Ghani government. Over a six-day visit, Muttaqi will engage in extensive discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, according to informed sources.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal extended a "warm welcome" to Muttaqi upon his arrival in a social media post, underscoring the anticipation of engaging discussions on both bilateral and regional matters. As part of his diplomatic agenda, Muttaqi’s visit includes a trip to the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary and the iconic Taj Mahal.

Muttaqi's visit was initially planned for last month but was postponed due to a travel ban enforced under UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions. However, on September 30, a temporary exemption to this ban was approved, allowing him to travel to New Delhi from October 9 to 16, per a UN statement. This waiver facilitates a new phase in India-Taliban relations.

UN sanctions have been placed on leading Taliban members, requiring them to secure waivers for international travel. Muttaqi's presence in India is projected to inject a fresh dynamic into India's interactions with the Taliban establishment in Kabul. Previously, the highest level of contact between the two had been a phone conversation between Jaishankar and Muttaqi on May 15.

India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime, advocating instead for an inclusive government in Kabul. Moreover, New Delhi has been firm on the stance that Afghan soil must not serve as a base for terrorist activities against any nation. Earlier this year in January, the Taliban regime referred to India as an "important" regional and economic force subsequent to discussions between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Muttaqi.

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