Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, has arrived in India for a landmark diplomatic visit — the first trip by a senior Taliban leader since the group returned to power in 2021.
His visit, which began on Thursday, was made possible after a UN Security Council committee temporarily lifted his travel ban, allowing him to participate in diplomatic engagements abroad.
🕌 High-Level Talks with Indian Leadership
During the visit, Muttaqi is expected to meet External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar for in-depth discussions on bilateral relations, regional security, and trade opportunities.
Earlier in January, Muttaqi held talks with India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Dubai, signaling growing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and the Taliban government.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the visit, stating:
“We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues.”
🌍 Strategic Significance and Regional Watch
This high-profile trip is being closely monitored by Pakistan and other regional powers, as India deepens its outreach to Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Although India has not officially recognized the Taliban administration, both sides are focusing on humanitarian cooperation, regional security, and potential trade routes.
Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi shut down in 2023, but consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad continue to offer limited services.
🤝 Moscow Meetings and Diplomatic Momentum
Before arriving in India, Muttaqi attended a regional security meeting in Moscow with representatives from India, Pakistan, Iran, China, and Central Asian countries.
The group released a joint statement opposing foreign military infrastructure in the region — a united response to former US President Donald Trump’s plan to retake the Bagram military base near Kabul.
The Moscow visit reflects the Taliban’s strategic push for regional legitimacy, stronger economic ties, and eventual diplomatic recognition.
📌 Key Takeaways
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First Taliban visit to India since 2021, enabled by a UN travel waiver.
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Talks with Jaishankar expected to focus on trade, regional stability, and bilateral cooperation.
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Visit follows regional summit in Moscow, signaling Taliban’s growing international outreach.
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India remains cautious, maintaining humanitarian ties without formal recognition.
