Taliban FM Visits India to Boost Political, Economic Ties

DID Press: Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign minister of Afghanistan’s Taliban government, departed for New Delhi on Thursday, October 9, at the invitation of his Indian counterpart. This marks the first official visit by a senior Taliban official to India this year — a trip that can influence Kabul–New Delhi political and economic relations.

Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement that Muttaqi traveled to New Delhi following an official invitation from Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.

According to Takal, Muttaqi is expected to meet Indian officials, including the foreign minister and other senior figures, to discuss political, economic, and trade issues as well as ways to enhance regional cooperation.

Analysts say the visit comes as India seeks to play a more active role in engaging with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, particularly through humanitarian aid, infrastructure reconstruction, and maintaining its regional political influence. They view Muttaqi’s trip as not only a signal of the Taliban’s willingness to open formal channels with regional powers but also as a potential political message to Pakistan.

Observers note that since the fall of former Afghanistan government in 2021 and the Taliban’s return to power, India has adopted a cautious approach toward Kabul. However, recent developments suggest that New Delhi is gradually redefining its relations with the Taliban authorities.

Meanwhile, Islamabad — long seen as the Taliban’s closest ally — is reportedly uneasy about the growing engagement between Kabul and New Delhi, fearing a shift in the region’s balance of influence.

Some political analysts interpret Muttaqi’s visit as an attempt by the Taliban government to diversify its political and economic partnerships and reduce its reliance on Pakistan. India, for its part, appears eager to restore its diplomatic presence and leverage in Afghanistan through engagement with Kabul’s new rulers, while curbing Islamabad’s regional sway.