New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic development on October 11, 2025, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi concluded key meetings during his historic trip to India, marking the first high-level engagement since the Taliban assumed control in Kabul in 2021. This visit underscores a pragmatic shift in India’s approach toward the Taliban-led government, focusing on security, trade, and regional stability. As global powers navigate Afghanistan’s evolving landscape, this interaction highlights India’s strategic recalibration amid tensions with neighbors like Pakistan and China.
Key Outcomes from the High-Profile Meetings
During the visit, Muttaqi held crucial discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. A major announcement emerged: India decided to elevate its “technical mission” in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy. This upgrade reverses the closure of India’s embassy in August 2021 following the Taliban’s power seizure. In reciprocity, India has allowed the Taliban to station their diplomats at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi, signaling a normalization of diplomatic channels.
Both nations committed to joint anti-terrorism initiatives, agreeing to tackle terrorism in all forms. Muttaqi reaffirmed that Afghan territory would not be utilized against any country, addressing India’s core security apprehensions regarding groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. He emphasized, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has proven over the last four years that its territory will not be allowed to be used against others.”
The talks also launched the India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor, aimed at boosting trade. Afghanistan extended invitations to Indian firms for mining ventures, tapping into its rich mineral resources. Trade figures were highlighted, with bilateral exchanges exceeding US$1 billion last year, underscoring economic potential.
Background and Evolution of India-Afghanistan Relations
India’s re-engagement traces back to June 2022, when it dispatched a “technical team” to Kabul for humanitarian coordination after initially shutting its diplomatic outposts. This cautious approach stems from national security priorities, including countering terror networks from Afghanistan. The visit reflects realpolitik amid deteriorating Pakistan-Taliban relations, allowing India to offset influences from Pakistan and China in the region.
Geopolitical dynamics play a pivotal role. India’s moves aim to foster goodwill via capacity-building and aid programs. However, challenges persist, including the Taliban’s authoritarian rule and human rights issues, especially women’s rights. India has not granted formal recognition to the Taliban regime, advocating for an inclusive government in Kabul.
Dramatic Scenes at the Afghan Embassy in Delhi
A tense atmosphere unfolded at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi prior to Muttaqi’s press conference. An Afghan employee, fearing reprisals, removed a flagpole to prevent the hoisting of the Islamic Emirate’s flag. He stated, “I will not let them hoist the Taliban flag as long as I am around,” insisting on official recognition first. Embassy staff, loyal to the ousted Ashraf Ghani administration, resisted, maintaining the Islamic Republic’s flag.
During the conference, no women journalists were permitted entry, igniting criticism over gender discrimination. Muttaqi addressed the media—all male—flanked by a tabletop Taliban flag, juxtaposed against a wall painting of the Bamiyan Buddhas, which the Taliban demolished in 2001. He dismissed women’s rights concerns as “propaganda,” claiming Shariah ensures rights and that Afghanistan’s situation has improved, with daily deaths dropping from 200-400 pre-2021 to none now. He noted no ongoing protests, suggesting public contentment.
Muttaqi reiterated the “Islamic Emirate” nomenclature and discussed sending diplomats to Delhi, starting gradually. He criticized Pakistan for alleged border attacks and urged cooperation. On US demands for Bagram airbase, he asserted Afghanistan’s sovereignty, rejecting foreign military presence.
Trade and Connectivity Focus: Chabahar and Wagah Routes
Economic discussions dominated, with calls to resolve Chabahar port hurdles, including US restrictions. Muttaqi urged joint India-Afghanistan advocacy with the US for unrestricted access, vital for trade. He also advocated reopening the Wagah border for cost-effective transit, separating economic from political issues.
Broader Regional Context and Expert Insights
Muttaqi’s India trip followed his attendance at the Moscow Format consultations, where he met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. A joint statement from regional powers opposed foreign military infrastructure, implicitly countering US President Donald Trump’s Bagram reclamation push.
Experts view this as a setback for Pakistan, historically tied to the Taliban but now strained over cross-border militancy accusations. Brahma Chellaney described it as a “cautious reset,” prioritizing strategic interests. Harsh V. Pant and Shivam Shekhawat noted the Taliban’s hedge against Pakistan dependency, enhancing legitimacy.
India’s engagement aligns with aiding Afghanistan’s development, one of the world’s poorest nations. Delhi has provided humanitarian aid, including earthquake response, and resumed visas for Taliban officials, building trust.
Challenges and Reservations in the Relationship
Despite progress, concerns linger. The Taliban’s human rights record, particularly women’s suppression, remains a sticking point. India insists Afghan soil not host anti-India activities. The relationship is tactical, haunted by past events like the 1999 IC-814 hijacking.
At the embassy, post-conference, the Taliban delegation avoided the main entrance bearing the Republic’s flag, exiting sideways. Muttaqi claimed the embassy as “ours,” though keys and accounts remain with Charge d’Affaires Sayed Mohammed Ibrahimkhil, a Ghani appointee.
Many Ghani-era diplomats have sought asylum abroad, leaving a skeleton staff aided by Afghan expatriates in India.
Muttaqi’s Itinerary and Additional Engagements
Arriving October 9 from Moscow, Muttaqi’s eight-day visit included business interactions and meetings with Afghan residents. On October 11, he visited Darul Uloom Deoband seminary in Uttar Pradesh and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Potential meetings with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were speculated, though unconfirmed.
The UN exempted Muttaqi from travel bans (imposed January 2001) for this trip, chaired by Pakistan in the Sanctions Committee.
Implications for Regional Power Dynamics
This visit illustrates India’s zero-sum rivalry with Pakistan in Afghanistan. Delhi historically backed anti-Taliban factions with Russia and Iran until 2001, then supported the US-backed government for two decades. Pakistan’s accusations against the Taliban for sheltering Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have led to airstrikes, rejected by Kabul.
For India, priorities include security against ISIS, al-Qaeda, and India-centric militants. Ties aid connectivity to Central Asia via Iran, countering China-Pakistan influence.
Experts like Mohammad Reyaz emphasize India’s strategic interests, urging engagement despite scattered anti-Taliban factions. Vivek Katju advises awaiting UN consensus on recognition, praising substantive ties via aid.
Pant and Shekhawat highlight the Taliban’s pragmatic foreign policy, focusing on economics and balance.
India’s Humanitarian and Diplomatic Stance
Jaishankar affirmed commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging development support. In May 2025, he appreciated Muttaqi’s condemnation of a Pahalgam attack, rejecting distrust attempts.
India hosts thousands of Afghans, with consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad operational since November 2024. The Kabul mission, reopened in 2022, focuses on aid.
Global Reactions and Future Prospects
Russia’s full recognition contrasts with others’ caution. About a dozen nations, including China and Iran, maintain Kabul embassies. Muttaqi called India a “close friend,” seeking mutual respect, trade, and people-to-people ties.
This engagement, amid UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s concurrent visit, positions India as a regional stabilizer. As the Taliban seeks legitimacy, India balances pragmatism with principles.
In summary, Muttaqi’s visit on October 11, 2025, reshapes India-Afghanistan dynamics, fostering cooperation amid challenges. With embassy upgrades, trade corridors, and anti-terror pacts, it paves the way for resilient ties, influencing South Asia’s geopolitical future.
