Why is India hosting Taliban foreign minister for 8 days? Afghan media abuzz with new era hopes

Afghan media outlets are closely tracking what they describe as a “new era of engagement” as India prepares to host Acting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi for an eight-day visit from October 9 to 16.

The visit coincides with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s arrival in India with the largest-ever British trade delegation for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting the stage for a week of intense diplomatic activity in New Delhi.

While Muttaqi’s meeting with PM Modi is not confirmed, the visit marks a significant moment in India’s cautious outreach to Kabul’s new rulers.

India has not recognised the Taliban as Afghanistan’s official government, citing concerns over human rights violations and restrictions on women’s freedoms.

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Directives from Taliban leadership amid buzz  of ’new era'

Afghan media outlet AMU TV reported that sources revealed Muttaqi received special directives from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ahead of his planned visits to India and Russia.

According to the report, Muttaqi traveled to Kandahar to meet Akhundzada before the trips, though details of the meeting were not shared.

Focus on diplomatic ties and security cooperation

Discussions during Muttaqi’s visit are expected to focus on upgrading diplomatic relations to full embassies and expanding consular services between Afghanistan and India.

Reports say he will meet senior officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, with security cooperation also likely to be a key topic.

One report from The Hindu noted, “Another important point of discussion would be the upgradation of the Indian embassy in Kabul. Both sides are likely to agree on posting full-fledged ambassadors and expanding consular presence, paving the way for state-to-state engagement.”

Earlier, media had reported that recognition of the Islamic Emirate would be one of the main topics during Muttaqi’s visit.

Visit amid cancellations planned trips to Pakistan

Muttaqi’s visit comes amid repeated cancellations of his planned tours to Pakistan, reflecting the Taliban’s growing frustration with Islamabad over border tensions and trade restrictions.

Two days ahead of the visit, India took a step closer to formally engaging with the Taliban after a regional grouping that includes India admitted Muttaqi as a “member” for the first time.

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Earlier this year, in May, Firstpost had reported that S. Jaishankar spoke with Muttaqi, marking one of the rare high-level interactions between New Delhi and the Taliban regime since its return to power in 2021.

This will not be the first Taliban presence in India this year. In September, Taliban minister Abdul Bari Zahid quietly attended a pharmaceutical exhibition in New Delhi, signalling what Afghan media called “pragmatic diplomacy” between the two sides.

The visit also follows India’s dispatch of emergency medical aid after the recent devastating earthquake in Afghanistan — a gesture praised by Taliban officials.

While New Delhi continues to emphasise that its engagement is focused on humanitarian and developmental assistance, observers say Muttaqi’s extended visit could hint at a gradual recalibration of India’s Afghanistan policy, with regional stability and counterterrorism cooperation likely on the agenda.

Muttaqi will be given full protocol as visiting FM: Report

Despite being on the UN Security Council’s list of banned terrorists, Muttaqi was granted special permission to travel to India. Officials said he is expected to arrive in Delhi on Thursday for a five-day visit.

The Hindu, citing sources, reported that Muttaqi will be given full protocol as a visiting Foreign Minister, and he will be hosted at Hyderabad House by S. Jaishankar for talks scheduled on October 10.

Moscow Format consultations and international context

On Tuesday, India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, attended the 10-nation Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, hosted by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The meeting was also attended by Pakistan’s special envoy Mohammad Sadiq, along with representatives from China, Iran, and several Central Asian countries.

So far, no country except Russia has recognised the Taliban government. Since the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021, their representatives have attended such meetings only as observers.

However, a photo released after Tuesday’s meeting showed Amir Khan Muttaqi among other national delegates, with the Taliban’s black-and-white flag replacing the red, black, and green tricolour of the previous Afghan republic still recognised by the UN, reports The Hindu.

Women’s rights under Taliban amid new restrictions

Since the Taliban returned to power, women in Afghanistan have faced severe restrictions. Girls above the sixth grade are largely banned from schools, and universities remain mostly closed to women. Employment opportunities are limited, with many government and NGO jobs barred, while public movement often requires a male guardian and adherence to strict dress codes.

Women’s access to healthcare has been restricted, particularly in rural areas, and they are largely excluded from political participation and legal rights under the previous constitution. Social and cultural freedoms are curtailed, and violations of Taliban rules can lead to harsh punishments. These abuses have drawn widespread international condemnation and remain a key reason why many countries, including India, have not recognised the Taliban government.

Firstpost earlier highlighted the plight of Afghan women in its exclusive reports, while many women shared their struggles in conversations with the publication.

As reported, the rights of Afghan women have further deteriorated since 2021. On October 26, Taliban Minister of Vice and Virtue Khalid Hanafi issued a new ban preventing adult women from letting their voices be heard while praying in the presence of other adult women. The move left Afghan women dismayed and made headlines worldwide.