NewKerala.com

Key Points

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit India from October 9-16 after receiving a UN travel exemption. The visit marks a significant diplomatic outreach between New Delhi and the Taliban government. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the travel details, highlighting ongoing dialogue between the two nations. This engagement follows previous high-level interactions and humanitarian assistance efforts by India.

Key Points: Muttaqi's India Visit Breaks UN Travel Sanctions Amid Diplomatic Thaw

  • UN Security Council grants rare travel exemption for Afghan Foreign Minister
  • Muttaqi expected to meet Jaishankar and Ajit Doval
  • Diplomatic engagement continues between India and Taliban regime
  • Multiple Afghan officials have visited India in recent months
2 min read

Afghan Foreign Minister to begin India visit next week, confirms MEA

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi set to visit India after UN security council exemption, signaling potential diplomatic engagement

"We shall keep you updated in this regard - Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson"

New Delhi, Oct 3

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday confirmed that Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will be on an official visit to India from October 9-16.

While addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Committee has granted exemption for Muttaqi's travel to India.

"All of you would have seen the exemption that has been granted by the UN Security Council Committee for the travel of Afghan Foreign Minister to New Delhi from October 9 to 16. This public information is there in the public domain. We shall keep you updated in this regard," Jaiswal told reporters.

During his visit, the visiting Afghan minister is likely to call on External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

As reported by IANS earlier, Muttaqi was supposed to visit India a few weeks ago but had failed to receive a travel ban exemption from the United Nations Security Council.

The visit is part of diplomatic engagements taking place between New Delhi and the Taliban regime over the past many months, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's meeting with Muttaqi in January, earlier this year.

Several key officials from Kabul have visited New Delhi in the past few months, including Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Medicine and Food, Hamdullah Zahid, who was in the Indian capital last month for the 11th edition of the International Exhibition on Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare.

Notably, another top Taliban official handling security and strategic affairs, whose identity cannot be revealed, visited the Indian capital last month and left only last week.

"We have been having conversation with the interim government in Afghanistan. You would have seen the telecon that had taken place some time back between External Affairs Minister and Foreign Minister Muttaqi. Also, we've had conversation between the Joint Secretary in charge and his counterparts on the Afghan side. Recently, when the earthquake happened, the same day, we were able to transport relief material to Kunar province and subsequently we sent more relief material via Chabahar," said Jaiswal on Friday.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I understand the need for diplomacy, we must be cautious in our engagement with the Taliban regime. India's security interests should remain paramount in all discussions.
A
Arjun K
Good move by our government. Afghanistan has always been our important neighbor. The humanitarian assistance and diplomatic engagement show India's mature foreign policy approach. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the UNSC granting travel exemption. This visit could pave the way for more normalized relations. Hope it leads to better cooperation on counter-terrorism.
K
Kavya N
I appreciate India's balanced approach - providing humanitarian aid while carefully managing diplomatic relations. This is how foreign policy should work! 👏
M
Michael C
With respect, I hope our government raises human rights issues during these talks. We cannot ignore the situation of women and minorities in Afghanistan while pursuing diplomatic relations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50