MEA welcomes ‘Afghan foreign minister’ Muttaqi on first India visit: Focus on ‘bilateral, regional’ ties

Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on his first visit since the group took power in 2021 on Thursday, as Afghanistan seeks to forge closer ties with India.

“Warm welcome to Afghan Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi on his arrival in New Delhi. We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Muttaqi’s trip – made possible after the UN Security Council granted him a travel waiver – is expected to be closely watched by India’s arch-rival Pakistan, as New Delhi deepens its engagement with the Taliban government.

Earlier this year, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Muttaqi on his trip to Afghanistan in January. During his trip to New Delhi, the Taliban minister is set to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Analysts say trade and security are likely to be at the forefront – though India is unlikely, for now, to extend formal recognition to the Taliban government.

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

It is important to note that India does not recognise the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. “India is not in a hurry to provide diplomatic recognition to the Taliban,” Rakesh Sood, India’s former ambassador to Kabul, told AFP.

India has long hosted tens of thousands of Afghans, many who fled the country after the Taliban returned to power.

Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi shut in 2023, although consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad still operate limited services.

With inputs from agencies