Afghan Foreign Minister’s Historic Delhi Visit Marks New Chapter in India-Afghanistan Relations
NEW DELHI — In a significant diplomatic development, Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on October 9, 2025, for an eight-day visit that represents the first high-level official engagement between India and Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
The visit, which runs through October 16, was made possible after the United Nations Security Council’s Taliban sanctions committee granted Muttaqi temporary travel exemption on September 30. Muttaqi, listed as TAi.026 on the UNSC sanctions list, arrived in Delhi via Moscow, where he had participated in the Moscow Format consultations on October 7.
Warm Reception and High-Level Talks
Joint Secretary Anand Prakash from India’s Ministry of External Affairs received Muttaqi upon his arrival, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posting a message on X describing it as a “warm welcome.”
The centerpiece of the visit came on October 10, when Muttaqi held formal discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Following their meeting, Jaishankar emphasized the visit’s significance, stating, “This visit is an important step in strengthening our relations. We discussed Afghanistan’s development, bilateral trade, regional integrity, people-to-people contacts, and capacity building.”
In a major announcement, Jaishankar revealed that India would upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy—a crucial step in normalizing diplomatic ties that were severed when the Taliban took control in 2021.
Muttaqi also met with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on October 10, in talks focused on security concerns and regional issues.
Cultural and Economic Outreach
Beyond diplomatic meetings, Muttaqi’s itinerary included significant cultural visits. On October 11, he traveled to Deoband in Uttar Pradesh to visit the historic Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the most influential Islamic seminaries in South Asia.
“Deoband is an important religious site for us,” Muttaqi said. “Students from here come to Afghanistan, and this place is connected to our history.”
He also visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, highlighting the cultural dimensions of the engagement.
The Afghan minister’s schedule includes meetings with Indian industrialists, traders, academics, officials from health, education and industry ministries, and Afghan students studying in India. A press conference at the Afghan embassy provided an opportunity for Muttaqi to share details of the discussions.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The talks covered a wide range of issues crucial to both nations:
Diplomatic Relations: Both countries committed to restoring full diplomatic presence. India will reopen its embassy in Kabul, which closed following the Taliban takeover, while Afghanistan will send diplomatic representatives to Delhi. Muttaqi noted, “India-Afghanistan relations are historic, and our diplomatic engagement is moving in a positive direction.”
Economic and Trade Cooperation: Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, particularly in dried fruits exports, healthcare facilities, consular services, and port access. Muttaqi extended an invitation to Indian investors to explore opportunities in Afghanistan’s agriculture, health, mining, electricity, and transport sectors.
A particularly significant topic was the Chabahar Port in Iran, developed by India as a strategic trade corridor. “This is a strategic route for both our countries,” Muttaqi stated. “We will jointly speak with the United States. If it closes, both of us will suffer.”
Regional Security: The Taliban government provided assurances that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorist activities against India or any other country. In a stern warning to Pakistan, Muttaqi said, “Do not test the patience of Afghans. Those who claim Afghanistan exports terrorism should provide evidence.”
The discussions also addressed drug trafficking, regional economic projects, transport corridors, and reopening the Wagah border for trade.
Humanitarian Assistance: India gifted 20 ambulances during the visit, adding to over $3 billion in aid provided over the years, including infrastructure projects like dams and the Afghan parliament building.
Strategic Implications
This visit carries significant weight for South Asian geopolitics. While India has not formally recognized the Taliban government, it has adopted a pragmatic approach of sustained engagement—a position distinct from most Western nations.
Former Indian Ambassador Anil Trigunayat captured this nuanced stance: “We should call Muttaqi the ‘Afghan Foreign Minister,’ not of the Taliban. We have strong bonds between our people.”
The visit is being closely watched by Pakistan, which has historically competed with India for influence in Afghanistan. Muttaqi’s public warning to Islamabad has added another layer of complexity to regional dynamics.
Russia remains the only country to have formally recognized the Taliban government, but India’s active engagement signals a multilateral strategy focused on regional stability and economic connectivity.
Addressing Controversies
On the contentious issue of women’s rights under Taliban rule, Muttaqi defended his government’s record: “Before 2021, 200-400 people were killed daily. Now there is peace, women are safe. The propaganda is false. Every country has its own traditions.”
This statement is likely to remain controversial in international circles, where the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s education and employment have drawn widespread condemnation.
Historical Context
India and Afghanistan share deep cultural and civilizational ties spanning centuries. Prior to 2021, India was a strong supporter of the Afghan government, investing heavily in infrastructure and development projects. After the Taliban’s return, India continued humanitarian assistance while withholding formal recognition.
The relationship has gradually evolved:
- June 2022: India sent a technical team to Kabul
- November 2024: The Taliban was allowed to appoint an ambassador in Delhi and open consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad
- January 2025: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi in Dubai
Looking Ahead
This week-long visit represents a potential turning point in India-Afghanistan relations and broader South Asian dynamics. By strengthening economic ties and maintaining diplomatic channels, India aims to ensure regional stability while protecting its strategic interests.
As the visit continues through October 16, both nations appear committed to building a relationship based on mutual interests, historical ties, and pragmatic engagement—regardless of the political complexities that remain unresolved in the international community’s approach to Afghanistan’s current government.
The success of this visit could pave the way for more substantive cooperation in the months ahead, potentially reshaping the diplomatic landscape of South Asia in the post-2021 era.