Taliban Health Minister Visits India Amid Pakistan Border Tensions

DID Press: Taliban Minister of Public Health Noor Jalal Jalali has arrived in India for his first official visit, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed, Amid escalating border clashes with Pakistan. Delhi welcomed constructive dialogue with the Taliban, particularly on Afghanistan’s health sector.

This marks the third visit by a Taliban cabinet member to India in less than three months, following Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi.

The increase in Taliban officials’ trips to India comes as relations with Pakistan remain strained over the presence of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan fighters in Afghanistan and recent border confrontations. UNAMA reports that at least 50 civilians were killed and hundreds injured during clashes between October 10–17.

Following the tensions, Afghanistan-Pakistan border crossings have been closed for over two months. The Taliban are reportedly seeking alternative trade routes and strengthening commercial ties with countries including India.

India has also sent several shipments of food and medical supplies to Afghanistan, and Taliban officials have identified India as a key market for Afghan agricultural exports.