Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi Visits India on October 9

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit India on October 9, 2023, marking a historic first since the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in August 2021. This visit represents a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between New Delhi and Kabul, with implications for regional geopolitics. The United Nations Security Council has granted a temporary exemption from international travel restrictions for Muttaqi, allowing him to be in New Delhi until October 16.

Preparations for this visit have been ongoing for several months. Indian officials, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Indian Foreign Service officer J.P. Singh, have engaged in multiple discussions with Taliban representatives, often in neutral locations such as Dubai. These conversations have primarily focused on India’s humanitarian support for Afghanistan, particularly in enhancing the health sector and aiding refugee rehabilitation.

Significant Diplomatic Developments

A notable interaction occurred on May 15, when India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with Muttaqi. This marked the first high-level contact since the Taliban’s takeover. During the call, Jaishankar praised the Taliban for their condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, reaffirming India’s long-standing friendship with the Afghan people. This statement was pivotal, as it indicated a shared concern between India and Afghanistan regarding terrorism linked to Pakistan.

In recent months, the Taliban has publicly denounced the Pahalgam attack during meetings with Indian officials, thereby creating a common ground between the two nations. Following these developments, India has increased its humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, providing essential supplies such as food grains, medical resources, and development assistance.

Reports indicate that the Taliban has communicated its needs to India, requesting support for energy and infrastructure projects. In the wake of a devastating earthquake in September, India was one of the first countries to respond, sending 1,000 family tents and 15 tonnes of food to the affected provinces. This was followed by an additional delivery of 21 tonnes of relief materials, including medicines, hygiene kits, blankets, and generators.

Since the Taliban’s rise to power, India has supplied nearly 50,000 tonnes of wheat, over 330 tonnes of medicines and vaccines, and 40,000 litres of pesticides, significantly aiding millions of Afghans facing food and health crises.

Regional Implications and Future Relations

Muttaqi’s upcoming visit is perceived as a setback for Pakistan, which has historically sought to maintain influence over Kabul. Pakistan’s recent decision to repatriate over 80,000 Afghan refugees has further strained its relationship with the Taliban, potentially opening diplomatic avenues for India to reinforce its role in Afghanistan.

Analysts suggest that the visit signifies Kabul’s intent to diversify its foreign relations and reduce its dependency on Pakistan. For India, direct engagement with the Taliban is a strategic move aimed at safeguarding its long-term interests in Afghanistan, mitigating potential terror threats, and counterbalancing the influence of both China and Pakistan.

The bilateral meeting scheduled for October 10 during Muttaqi’s visit could be a defining moment. It holds the potential to establish a framework for cautious cooperation between India and Afghanistan, which may significantly influence the power dynamics in South Asia.