Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Begins First Visit to India

Afghanistan’s UN-sanctioned Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, arrived in India on Thursday, marking the first visit by a senior Taliban leader since their return to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces.

The trip was made possible after the UN Security Council granted him a travel waiver, and it is expected to attract close attention from India’s arch-rival Pakistan, as New Delhi seeks to deepen its engagement with the Taliban government.

Indian officials extended a warm welcome to Muttaqi.

Muttaqi previously met India’s top career diplomat Vikram Misri in Dubai in January. During this visit, he is scheduled to hold talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

While neither side has publicly disclosed the agenda, analysts suggest that trade and security will likely dominate discussions.

• Formal recognition of the Taliban government by India is considered unlikely in the immediate term.
• Strategic influence in Kabul is a key motive for New Delhi, ensuring it is not left behind by regional rivals such as China and Pakistan.

“New Delhi is eager to establish its influence in Kabul… and not be left behind by its arch-rivals, China and Pakistan,”
— Praveen Donthi, International Crisis Group analyst

Muttaqi’s visit follows recent meetings in Russia, which remains the only country to have officially recognised the Taliban administration.

• The Taliban continue to seek diplomatic recognition and legitimacy, but experts note that such recognition is still some way off.
• India remains cautious, with no immediate plans for diplomatic recognition.

“India is not in a hurry to provide diplomatic recognition to the Taliban,”
— Rakesh Sood, former Indian ambassador to Kabul

India has long hosted tens of thousands of Afghan refugees, many of whom fled after the Taliban regained control.

India continues to limit its engagement in Kabul to humanitarian coordination, while maintaining consular services in Mumbai and Hyderabad.