New delhi: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, marking the first high-level diplomatic engagement between India and Afghanistan since the Taliban assumed power in 2021.
According to Kuwait News Agency, this meeting signifies a renewed effort to strengthen bilateral relations and explore collaborative opportunities between the two nations.
During the delegation-level meeting, S Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan. He announced India's decision to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to an embassy, underscoring the importance of closer cooperation for regional stability, resilience, and Afghanistan's national development. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Afghanistan's invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities and highlighted the significance of enhancing trade and commerce, noting the commencement of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi.
Foreign Minister Muttaqi assured that the Taliban government would not permit the use of Afghan territory against other countries, advocating for increased engagement between India and Afghanistan. He expressed gratitude for India's assistance during the recent earthquake in Afghanistan and highlighted the desire for relations based on mutual respect, trade, and people-to-people ties. Muttaqi also proposed the creation of a consultative mechanism to strengthen bilateral relations.
Muttaqi's visit to India comes shortly after an international meeting on Afghanistan hosted by Russia, with participation from officials from China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. This effort is seen as an attempt by the Taliban regime to gain international recognition after assuming power in 2021, following the withdrawal of US-led NATO forces. New Delhi is also seeking to increase its influence in Afghanistan amid the involvement of Pakistan and China.