Kabul Calls for Stronger Political and Economic Ties with India

DID Press: Taliban-run Afghanistan embassy in New Delhi held a ceremony on Monday marking the fifth anniversary of the group’s return to power, with diplomats from several countries, including India, Russia, China, Pakistan, Serbia, Palestine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Qatar and Oman, in attendance.

Noor Ahmad Noor, acting head of the Afghanistan embassy in India, called for stronger political trust, expanded economic cooperation and continued engagement between Kabul and New Delhi, saying closer ties could contribute to regional stability, connectivity and shared prosperity.

He said Afghanistan seeks to expand economic relations with India and maintain “balanced, constructive and sustainable” engagement with all countries. He also called on New Delhi to support Afghanistan’s legitimate interests in international forums.

Noor, referring to the longstanding historical ties between Afghanistan and India, said stability in Afghanistan could create opportunities for expanded regional trade, energy cooperation, transit and security.

Ananda Prakash, India’s Deputy Secretary in charge of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran at the Ministry of External Affairs, also attended the ceremony.

India has not formally recognized the Taliban government five years after its return to power.