NEW DELHI: In a significant diplomatic move, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the foreign minister of Afghanistan’s Taliban government, arrived in New Delhi on Thursday. This marks the first visit by a high-ranking Taliban leader to India since the group seized power in August 2021, signaling a cautious but notable shift in New Delhi’s engagement with the de facto authorities in Kabul.
Muttaqi’s trip was made possible by a travel waiver granted by the UN Security Council, as he remains on a sanctions list. The visit is being closely monitored across the region, particularly by Pakistan, which views itself as having traditional influence over the Taliban and is wary of its arch-rival India deepening its foothold in Afghanistan.
A Cautious Welcome and Strategic Engagement
Indian foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal extended a “warm welcome” to Muttaqi, stating, “We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues.” Muttaqi is scheduled to hold talks with India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and other senior officials.
While neither side has disclosed a formal agenda, analysts point to several critical issues likely to be discussed:
Humanitarian Aid and Trade: India has been a major provider of humanitarian assistance, including wheat, vaccines, and medical supplies, sent via Pakistan and Iran. Both sides are expected to discuss streamlining this aid and exploring pathways to resume trade, potentially through the Chabahar port in Iran, which India has developed as a strategic alternative route.
Security Concerns: A primary motivation for New Delhi is addressing the enduring threat of terrorism. India is deeply concerned that Afghanistan could again become a safe haven for Pakistan-based militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which have historically targeted Indian interests. India will likely seek assurances from the Taliban on preventing this.
Diplomatic Recognition: For now, India is not expected to extend formal diplomatic recognition to the Taliban government, which remains isolated internationally over its human rights record, particularly its treatment of women and girls.
A Calculated Shift in India’s “Wait-and-See” Policy
This visit represents a pragmatic evolution of India’s initial stance. After the Taliban takeover, India evacuated its embassy and adopted a position of non-engagement. However, watching regional players like China, Russia, and Iran maintain dialogue with the Taliban has prompted a strategic recalculation.
“New Delhi is eager to establish its influence in Kabul, protect its substantial past investments, and not be left behind by its arch-rivals, China and Pakistan,” said Praveen Donthi, an analyst with the International Crisis Group. “This visit is a clear step in that direction, even if recognition is not yet on the table.”
Muttaqi’s trip follows his government’s recent participation in multilateral meetings in Russia, which has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban administration. While the Taliban are actively “seeking diplomatic recognition and legitimacy,” Donthi noted, other analysts believe that goal remains distant.
“India is not in a hurry to provide diplomatic recognition to the Taliban,” Rakesh Sood, India’s former ambassador to Kabul, told AFP. “This engagement is about managing immediate practical necessities—security, humanitarian needs, and the welfare of Afghans in India—while keeping a channel of communication open.”
The Complicated Legacy
The relationship is shadowed by history. India was a key supporter of the previous US-backed Afghan government, investing over $3 billion in infrastructure and development projects, such as the Afghan Parliament building and the Salma Dam. The Taliban’s previous regime (1996-2001) was openly hostile to India and closely aligned with Pakistan.
Today, India hosts tens of thousands of Afghans, including many who fled the country after the Taliban’s return. Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi, which was loyal to the former republic, shut down in November 2023, although consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad still operate limited services. India maintains that its technical team in Kabul is focused solely on coordinating the delivery of humanitarian aid.
This visit, therefore, is a high-stakes diplomatic balancing act. For India, it is about securing its interests in a volatile region without endorsing the Taliban’s regime. For the Taliban, it is a crucial opportunity to break out of its international isolation by engaging with a major regional power. The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for the future of Afghanistan and the geopolitical landscape of South Asia.
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