In a landmark diplomatic development, India on Friday announced a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at deepening developmental cooperation with Afghanistan and officially upgraded its diplomatic presence in Kabul, signaling a cautious yet meaningful step toward engagement with the Taliban administration.
The announcement came as External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi for the first time — a meeting that is being described as a turning point in India-Afghanistan relations since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
A Milestone in Diplomatic Engagement
Amir Khan Muttaqi, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, is the first senior Taliban functionary to pay an official visit to India, marking a new phase in bilateral dialogue.
The visit, while still short of formal diplomatic recognition of the Taliban regime, underscores India’s pragmatic approach — focusing on humanitarian, developmental, and security cooperation while keeping its national interests intact.
The timing of the visit is significant. Both India and Afghanistan currently face strained ties with Pakistan — a country accused by both of exporting terrorism and fostering instability in the region.
The Taliban, in particular, has come under increasing pressure from Pakistan for not taking stronger action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
In a notable gesture earlier this year, the Taliban had condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, expressing solidarity with India — a move that did not go unnoticed in New Delhi.
Warm Diplomatic Optics at Hyderabad House
The historic meeting took place at Hyderabad House, New Delhi’s iconic venue for high-level diplomatic engagements. Both leaders were notably warm and optimistic in their televised opening remarks.
Dr. Jaishankar, in his welcome address, remarked: Your visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring friendship between India and Afghanistan.
A meeting in person allows us to exchange perspectives, identify common interests, and forge closer cooperation.”
Amir Khan Muttaqi, speaking in Pashto, reciprocated the sentiment by calling India an “important country in the region” and proposing the creation of a structured mechanism for enhanced cooperation.
Afghanistan and India share deep civilisational, historical, and people-to-people bonds that span centuries. We must build on these ties and find common ground on various policy issues,” he said.
He added, “Through continued dialogue and mutual understanding, we can further strengthen our relationship.”
Assurances on Security and Counter-Terrorism
Muttaqi sought to reassure India and the international community that Afghan soil would not be allowed to be used for terrorism against any country.
We will not allow any element to threaten others or use Afghan territory against anyone,” he affirmed.
“Daesh remains a regional challenge, and Afghanistan stands on the frontlines of this struggle. We must combat this menace together for the collective peace and prosperity of our nations.”
He also recalled that the Taliban, throughout the turbulent period of American occupation, never issued statements against India and consistently advocated good relations between the two nations.
Shared Concern Over Terrorism
Dr. Jaishankar, echoing these sentiments, highlighted the shared challenge of cross-border terrorism as a key impediment to regional peace.
The growth and prosperity of both India and Afghanistan are imperiled by the menace of terrorism. We appreciate your understanding of our security concerns and acknowledge your solidarity after the Pahalgam attack,” he said.
India’s New Commitments: Development, Diplomacy, and Humanitarian Aid
In a move that reflects India’s long-standing commitment to Afghanistan’s reconstruction, Jaishankar unveiled a new package of developmental and humanitarian initiatives designed to strengthen Afghanistan’s social and economic foundations.
Most notably, he announced that India’s “technical mission” in Kabul will now be upgraded to a full-fledged Embassy of India, symbolizing a restored and stronger diplomatic presence in the Afghan capital. Closer cooperation between us contributes not only to Afghanistan’s national development but also to the broader stability and resilience of the region,” Jaishankar said.
Reviving Developmental Assistance
India had withdrawn its diplomats and shut its missions in Afghanistan after the fall of the Ashraf Ghani government in 2021. Though it reopened with a limited presence in June 2022, the upgrade to an embassy marks a major diplomatic milestone.
Jaishankar further announced that India would:
Support six new developmental projects in Afghanistan. Undertake maintenance and repairs of completed Indian-funded projects. Provide 20 ambulances, MRI, and CT scan machines to hospitals across Afghanistan. Supply vaccines, cancer medicines, and essential drugs to boost Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare infrastructure.
Humanitarian Commitments and Reconstruction Aid
Following India’s relief operations after the recent earthquake in Kunar province, Jaishankar said that India would participate in rebuilding homes for the affected families. He also announced assistance for Afghans forcibly repatriated from neighboring countries — a clear reference to Pakistan’s ongoing deportation of Afghan refugees.
In addition, a fresh consignment of food aid was scheduled to arrive in Kabul on Friday, reaffirming India’s role as a reliable humanitarian partner. India also expressed readiness to collaborate on sustainable water resource management, citing the long history of joint projects between the two nations.
Trade, Education, and Cultural Ties
Jaishankar warmly welcomed Muttaqi’s invitation to Indian companies to explore mining opportunities in Afghanistan, promising to discuss such prospects further. He also highlighted the resumption of additional flights between Kabul and New Delhi, aimed at boosting connectivity and trade.
Reaffirming India’s traditional strength in education and culture, Jaishankar announced that avenues for Afghan students to pursue studies in Indian universities will be expanded. He also reiterated India’s continued support for Afghanistan’s national cricket team, which has become a symbol of unity and pride for the Afghan people.
The minister added that, under India’s new visa module for Afghan nationals launched in April 2025, more visas are being issued in the medical, business, and student categories, ensuring smoother people-to-people exchanges.
A New Chapter of Pragmatic Cooperation
The meeting concluded on a note of mutual respect and cautious optimism, with both leaders agreeing that sustained dialogue and cooperation are essential for regional stability and prosperity. While India continues to stop short of formal recognition of the Taliban regime, the tone and substance of this engagement mark the beginning of a more pragmatic, forward-looking partnership.
As one senior observer put it, this meeting reflects “India’s strategic maturity — balancing national interests, humanitarian duty, and regional stability in one of the most complex geopolitical landscapes in the world.”
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