Key Points

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit New Delhi, marking a significant diplomatic milestone. His arrival follows months of careful diplomatic groundwork and previous high-level interactions between Indian and Taliban officials. The visit signals a potential warming of relations between India and the Taliban regime. Muttaqi is expected to meet key Indian officials and potentially address a select group of journalists during his stay.

Key Points: Muttaqi's Delhi Diplomatic Outreach Signals Taliban-India Thaw

  • Taliban FM Muttaqi to meet NSA Doval and EAM Jaishankar
  • Arrives from Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan
  • Overcoming previous UN travel restrictions
  • Part of ongoing India-Taliban engagement strategy
2 min read

Delhi gears up for diplomatic game-changer with Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit

Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi arrives in New Delhi for crucial meetings with top Indian officials, marking significant diplomatic engagement.

"Diplomatic relations are evolving through strategic dialogues - Unnamed Diplomatic Source"

New Delhi, Oct 8

A day ahead of Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's much-awaited visit to New Delhi, preparations are underway to welcome the arrival of one of the “tallest” leaders in the Taliban's power nomenclature.

Sources told IANS that three key officials from Kabul arrived in the capital in the last few days to chalk out the plan, including the officials FM Muttaqi will be meeting and others.

These three officials included a senior representative from trade, political and health.

Amongst them is Director General, First Political Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghanistan, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor.

Notably, this is not his first visit to the capital, as he was also here, in New Delhi, a few weeks back.

Apart from him, there are two middle-level officials.

According to people aware of the matter, FM Muttaqi is likely to meet NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on October 10.

There is a high possibility that FM Muttaqi is likely to address a press conference to a selected group of journalists.

FM Muttaqi will be coming to New Delhi from Moscow, as he attended the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan on October 7.

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 a few days back.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I understand the need for diplomatic engagement, we must be cautious about dealing with the Taliban regime. India should prioritize the safety and rights of Afghan women and minorities in all discussions.
A
Arjun K
Good to see India maintaining its engagement with Afghanistan. Our historical ties with Afghan people are strong, and we should continue supporting their development while protecting our national interests. 🇮🇳
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Sarah B
The timing is interesting - right after Moscow Format consultations. India needs to balance its relationships carefully in this complex geopolitical landscape. Hope our diplomats handle this well.
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Vikram M
Trade and health cooperation mentioned here are positive areas. India can help Afghanistan with pharmaceuticals and medical supplies while ensuring our strategic concerns are addressed. Smart diplomacy by MEA!
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Kavya N
I'm concerned about the security implications. With the Taliban in power, we need strong assurances that Afghan territory won't be used against India. Hope NSA Doval addresses this firmly.
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Michael C
The fact that this visit was delayed due to UN travel ban exemptions shows the complicated international position of the Taliban. India walking a diplomatic tightrope here, but necessary engagement.

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

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