Afghanistan: Taliban foreign minister visits India for the first time

Thursday 09 October 2025 - 08:30

By: Sahili Aya

Afghanistan: Taliban foreign minister visits India for the first time

The Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, arrived in India on Thursday for a historic two-day visit, marking the first time a senior member of Afghanistan’s Taliban government has traveled to New Delhi. The visit is seen as part of Kabul’s broader effort to gain international recognition and attract foreign investment.

“Welcome to Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi upon his arrival in New Delhi,” posted Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X (formerly Twitter). “We look forward to discussions on bilateral and regional issues.”

Muttaqi, who remains under UN travel and asset sanctions, was granted a temporary exemption to make the trip, according to Indian officials.

Currently, only Russia recognizes the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate, established after the group’s return to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of Western-backed forces. Despite diplomatic outreach, restrictions on women and girls—barred from education and public life—remain a major obstacle to broader international acceptance.

A tactical rapprochement

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been quietly rebuilding ties with Afghanistan as relations between Kabul and Pakistan deteriorate. Islamabad accuses the Taliban of harboring militants responsible for deadly attacks on its security forces. New Delhi, long a rival of Pakistan, sees an opening to expand its influence in the region.

Earlier this year, Indian Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri met Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, signaling renewed engagement. India has also deepened its strategic footprint through investment in Iran’s Chabahar port, designed to rival Pakistan’s Gwadar port, a key element of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

“India is eager to strengthen its position in Kabul and avoid falling behind China and Pakistan,” noted analyst Praveen Donthi of the International Crisis Group.

According to Pakistani analyst Wahed Faqiri, “this visit will bolster the Taliban’s legitimacy both domestically and internationally, while allowing India to drive a wedge between the Taliban and Pakistan.”

India continues to host tens of thousands of Afghan refugees who fled after the Taliban’s return. Although New Delhi maintains a presence at its Kabul embassy, officials insist its activities are limited to humanitarian operations.